Almost 550 litres of alcohol - including cider, beer, alcopops, fortified wine and spirits - has been seized from under age drinkers in Dundee through Operation Dry Up in the first quarter of 2008.

Furthermore, indications so far suggest that the high profile policing operation that tackles under age drinking and associated anti-social and criminal behaviour is having a positive effect in the community.

However, Tayside Police is quick to credit widespread public awareness and the role of law-abiding residents in helping the authorities to drive the number of youth-related incidents downwards.

Partner agencies, the local licensed trade and community wardens, have all played key roles in the success of Operation Dry Up too.

In January, Tayside Police announced that extra resources, provided via Dundee Partnership funding, would be directed at this issue during times of greatest demand. It paid for additional uniform patrols in areas of the city where underage drinking has been identified as an issue.

The funding came to an end on March 31, but the success of Dry Up has now cemented its place within operational policing in Dundee and the weekend focus on under age drinking continues.

Evaluation of the operation has revealed that at the same time as achieving marked increases in alcohol seizures, the high profile policing has delivered a reduction in alcohol related crime and disorder.

There has been a 15% drop in calls to the police regards youths causing annoyance and 21% fewer vandalisms reported by the public.

Chief Superintendent Colin McCashey, Divisional Commander for Dundee, said:

‘‘Our policy through Operation Dry Up has been to focus our efforts on the places where they are needed most and at the times when they are needed most. Our attentions have been on youths who gather at identified problem areas during the early evenings of Friday and Saturday and as a result we have been able to reduce alcohol consumption and the fall out from that.

‘‘At the same time, our officers have visited a large number of licensees to ensure that all staff are aware of the issues surrounding under age drinking and the implications of providing alcohol to under-18s. They have worked closely with us and have reported concerns and suspicions to us when – for example – they were concerned that youngsters were targeting their customers to try and get them to buy alcohol for them.

‘‘As well as taking robust action against those committing offences, our officers have heard at first hand from residents that their presence is providing reassurance and reducing the overall fear of crime.’’

From January 4, 2008, to April 26, 2008, officers noted the names of 545 youths who were involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour, or who were found in circumstances which gave cause for the police to be suspicious or concerned.

As well as the co-ordinated foot and vehicles patrols, the Force also responded to 350 calls from the public in relation to youths causing annoyance through Operation Dry Up in Dundee.

Furthermore, officers issued 41 police warnings to youths in the presence of their parents and child referrals were submitted to the Children’s Panel on six occasions.

Four fixed penalty notices were issued for anti-social behaviour and seven adults were charged for buying alcohol for under-18s and one licensee was reported after failing a test purchase.

In total up to April 26, officers visited a total of 207 licensed premises.

Mr McCashey said:

‘‘As a police force we are determined to curtail the anti-social and sometimes criminal behaviour that is fuelled by under age drinking because of the harm that it does to our communities. Just as important, Tayside Police and its partners want to make young people and their parents absolutely aware of the dangers they expose themselves to through under age and excessive drinking.

‘‘I believe that we have made a difference through Operation Dry Up, but the greatest impact will undoubtedly be made when parents and adults take full responsibility for where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing.

‘‘By ignoring the issue, parents could face an unwanted trip to the police station, or the accident and emergency department, or even the mortuary. It’s time for the grown-ups to take responsibility.

‘‘As I have said before, not all children choose to spend their evenings this way. But those who do seem to have little sense of their own mortality and scant comprehension of the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol abuse.

‘‘Parents and guardians have a duty to give their children a perspective on those risks and ensure that they are spending their free time in healthier, more productive ways. They owe it to themselves, their children and their neighbours.’’

Anyone with any information that could assist Operation Dry Up in Dundee should call Tayside Police on 0845 600 5705 or speak to their local officer.