Police bid to tackle under-age drinking

Boy, 14, may have died if not found

From the Press & Journal newspaper, Published: 31/03/2010

A 14-YEAR-old under the influence of alcohol was among the first to become involved in a scheme being tested in the far north to combat under-age drinking.

Police said the teenager could have perished had they not found him when they did in Thurso on Saturday evening.

The new approach involves young people under 18 found with alcohol being taken to the police station and their parents or guardians contacted to take them home.

As part of Operation Safety, launched at the weekend, youngsters were given advice by youth workers about the risks they are taking.

North divisional commander Superintendent Julian Innes reported that a handful of under-age drinkers were picked up on the first weekend the initiative was activated in Thurso and Wick.

Most concern centred on the 14-year-old, who was drunk on whisky.

Said the superintendent: “He was soaking wet and very vulnerable. We are glad we found him because, if he had fallen asleep, he may not be with us now.”

He added: “From our point of view this was a successful weekend and it was pleasing to see our officers out and about and interacting with young people.”

The trial follows growing evidence nationally and in the Highlands about a strong link between early teenage drinking and ill-health and crime.