A crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour has been hailed a success.

Police seized just under 33 litres of alcohol from youngsters in the Littlehampton area during the two-week operation.

The majority of the alcohol - 27 litres - was beer or lager. Other drink confiscated was cider, alcopops, spirits and wine.

Alcohol was also seized during the same operation in the Bognor area.

Although officers are pleased with the relatively short-term benefit of taking booze out of the hands of youngsters, they believe they are now helping to influence the more long-term issue of both supply and demand of alcohol to minors.

Although the weather was cold during the operation, which possibly helped reduce the number of young people on the streets, senior officers believe they are drinking less and traditional supply routes are being halted.

That trend, they say, is helping to reduce instances of criminal damage, antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime.

It has been reinforced during the campaign with numerous patrols at known hot spots, coupled with regular test purchases at shops suspected of selling alcohol to young people.

Two outlets have recently failed test purchase operations in Littlehampton.

The result is it is far harder for young people to lay their hands on booze.

Sergeant Peter Allan, of Littlehampton neighbourhood specialist team, who helped lead the campaign in the town, said: "There is no doubt there is a clear link between alcohol and antisocial behaviour.

"Although this type of operation is part of our normal policing duties anyway, we're confident that the message is getting through to young people and importantly, to their families too."

Roger Elkins, the deputy leader of Arun District Council, who witnessed the police work first hand on Friday, said: "I think it has been a major success.

"There are obviously issues surrounding the cheapness and ready availability of alcohol to young people and I think this type of operation proves that things are moving in the right direction.

"It is a positive outcome.

Whether things change or not in the summer when more people are here I don't know but we are seeing a very marked move forward in terms of getting a message through to young people."

Those caught with alcohol face varying levels of intervention from officers, ranging from being taken home to their parents and receiving advice, to the most persistent offenders receiving antisocial behaviour orders.

Sgt Allan added: "We recognise the link between alcohol and anti- social behaviour and criminality.

"We also acknowledge the effect that the abuse of alcohol can have on individuals and communities.

"We are working hard as a team to deal with those who sell, purchase and consume alcohol unlawfully and will continue to do so.

"We will continue to work with partners, parents and young people to ensure that our communities are safe places for people to live in, work and visit."

  • What do you think about the crackdown? Is alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder a problem where you live? Let us know below