Young Drinkers Taken Off Streets During Operation Staysafe

Six girls, including several caught drinking under-age, were removed from the streets of Wyre Forest and taken into police protection as part of Operation Staysafe.

The operation was held on Friday (18 November) when dedicated police patrols were out in the evening looking for youngsters deemed vulnerable due to their involvement in anti social behaviour, drinking or association with known offenders.

A Safe Centre was established at the Youth House in Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster, where staff from the Youth Offending Service, Connexions and the drug and alcohol service Space (Substance Prevention Acceptance Confidentiality Education) were on standby to provide any necessary interventions.

During the evening there were two incidents, at Bewdley and Comberton, which led to three girls aged 13 and 14 being taken to the Safe Centre after they were found with alcohol. In a separate incident at Comberton three girls aged between 13 and 17 were taken into police protection after they were found in the company of an adult female who was drunk and a youth who was using the illegal drug mephedrone, also known as ‘meow meow'. He was arrested and dealt with for that offence.

All the girls were interviewed by staff at the Safe Centre along with their parents who were required to attend before taking them home.

Wyre Forest District Inspector Paul Crowley said: "Some of the parents were unaware of where their youngsters were and concerned about the vulnerable positions they had put themselves in.

"We are running Staysafe here in conjunction with Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership to tackle anti social behaviour and ensure young people are safe when they are out in public places.

"I think Friday's operation was a success because we have protected six young females from coming to possible harm. All have been referred to various agencies which will look to deal with the issues apparent from the circumstances in which they were found."

Sharon Himsworth, Prevention Manager for the Youth Offending Service in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, said that some of the girls taken to the Safe Centre had been drinking alcohol including vodka and cider.

She said: "The fact that drink played some part in all six girls being brought in is concerning, as is the apparent easy availability of alcohol. It highlights the issue but on the positive side the fact some of them were picked up early in the evening meant we were able to nip in the bud any problems that may have arisen later. They all need support and this has also given us the opportunity to work with them to provide that."

Issued: Tuesday, 22 November 2011