POLICE in Stanley will make personal visits to all off-licences in the area as part of a clampdown on the antics of drunken teenagers.

Officers say a recent increase in reports of youth disorder in the town and the surrounding areas is directly linked to the sale of drink to under-age revellers.

The trouble-makers are generally in their early to mid-teens, but police have recorded some as young as just ten being involved.

Licensing experts from the north area substance misuse unit are now teaming up with Stanley-based neighbourhood officers to take action.

From Wednesday they will be visiting all 30 off-licences in the area, reminding staff of their responsibilities.

Under new regulations all licensed premises have a statutory duty to uphold the objectives of preventing crime, disorder and public nuisance, as well as protecting children from harm.

Breaches of the law could see conditions imposed on any offending off-licences before they are allowed to continue selling alcohol.

Designated premises supervisors (licensees) could also lose their right to hold a drinks licence if they fail to meet certain requirements.

PC Steve Holden said: "Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"We will take firm action against the youths responsible and any off-licences identified as being part of the problem."

He added: "It is very worrying we have children as young as ten being involved, the drink is clearly being bought by older youths who are then passing it down the chain."

PC Holden and his colleagues will be encouraging licence-holders to adopt the 'over-21' scheme.

Under the initiative staff are asked to challenge anyone who does not look at least that age to produce proof they are old enough to buy alcohol.

PC Holden said: "The over-21 scheme is not compulsory but many businesses, including some of the big supermarkets, have taken it on board.

"We accept it can often be difficult to tell if someone is the minimum age of 18, so the scheme effectively gives licensees and staff breathing space."

He urged any licence-holders wanting advice to ring the unit on 0191-375 2308.

The operation in Stanley is being carried out as part of Durham Constabulary's ongoing 'StreetSafe' initiative.