Police have the powers to seize alcohol from young people and report them for prosecution to the courts
POLICE in Derry are to increase patrols around St Columb’s Park following complaints from residents of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.
And local PSNI boss Inspector Johnny Hunter said those found boozing in the park will have their alcohol seized and face a criminal prosecution.
He said the matter was being treated “seriously” following calls were to Derry City and Strabane District Council to deploy more wardens at the park.
Council officials were told that large groups of young people engaged in anti-social behaviour at the park over recent days during the hot weather spell.
Residents said as many as 100 people had gathered at the park drinking alcohol and lighting fires.
The following morning rubbish was found scattered all over the park.
Inspector Jonathan Hunter said police in Foyle were aware of the problem at the park and it was being dealt with.
“Police are aware that this type of anti-social behaviour can cause nuisance and annoyance to members of the public, and we treat all reports of this nature seriously,” he said.
“We often work closely with colleagues such as local councils and community groups to tackle anti-social behaviour in a co-ordinated way and in the coming days we will be focusing our patrols to combat this type of behaviour while providing reassurance to the wider community.
“We would ask members of the community to continue to report any concerns so police can respond and prevent further nuisance.”
He added police can also seize alcohol from people aged under 18, and added adults drinking in public also faced prosecution for being in breach of council bye-laws.
“Underage drinking may seem like harmless fun but someone may become a little more vulnerable and things can spiral out of control quickly,” he said.
“We do not want to spoil anyone’s fun but the fact is that it is illegal to consume alcohol when you are under the age of 18 and police have the power to seize your alcohol.
“There is also the potential for young people to become the victims of crime if they have been drinking and are not able to look after themselves.
“For those over 18 drinking alcohol in designated public areas, police can forward your details to the local Council for consideration of prosecution under local civic bye-laws.”
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