PARENTS have been warned action will be taken against youngsters who roam the streets of Billingham drinking alcohol.

Sergeant Terry Wood, of Billingham Police, has issued the warning after officers confiscated a haul of drink from children as young as 12 over a period of Friday nights.

The haul included 180 cans and bottles of lager, two bottles of vodka, three bottles of Lambrini, two bottles of vodka blue, three bottles of White Lightning cider and a bottle of home-made alcohol.

Sgt Wood said: "Some youngsters are intent on getting drunk which usually leads to other forms of anti-social behaviour.

"The community policing team and community support officers will continue to be proactive in tackling this problem."

Patrols visit areas where youngsters congregate to drink and take names. If a name is seen a few times it is handed over to the police's anti-social behavioural team.

A letter is then sent out to parents warning them they and their child could become subject to an anti-social behaviour contract.