Alcohol and drug paraphernalia found in Gosport as police officers crack down on yobbish behaviour
“The discovery of drug paraphernalia is concerning and highlights the risks young people may expose themselves to
Significant amounts of alcohol-related litter and drug paraphernalia have been found in Gosport as police officers crack down on yobbish behaviour.
During patrols at Stokes Bay, a group of approximately 30 youths were moved on from the area last night where a dispersal is in place this weekend. It follows reports of large numbers of teenagers gathering in hotspots across Portsmouth and surrounding towns - including teenagers having ‘prom after-parties’.
Hampshire Police said: “During patrols, officers discovered a significant amount of alcohol-related litter, including empty bottles and cans, alongside drug paraphernalia and large quantities of rubbish. There was also a considerable amount of broken glass left behind, creating a hazard for members of the public and their pets.
“Many of the youths left the area upon police arrival.
“We would like to remind parents, carers and young people of the dangers associated with underage drinking. Alcohol can significantly impair judgement, decision-making and awareness of personal safety, making young people more vulnerable to accidents, injury, antisocial behaviour and becoming victims of crime. These risks are further increased when drinking takes place close to the sea, particularly during the hours of darkness, where a moment's poor decision can have devastating consequences.
“The discovery of drug paraphernalia is also concerning and highlights the risks young people may expose themselves to through association with alcohol, drugs and antisocial behaviour.”
A clear up operation took place this morning to make the area safe for the public, with the dispersal order - giving police the power to move groups away from an area in place again this evening covering Stokes Bay; Lee-on-the-Solent; Priddy's Hard and the Gosport Ferry. Similar measures are also in parts of Portsmouth.
A police spokesperson said: “The dispersal authority enables our officers to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour in the directed area more effectively and gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time period.
“Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.Individuals who are aged under 16 will be taken to their home address and follow-up work will be done with parents.