Safety advice for city shoppers

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 14 December 2010)

Supermarket shoppers in Carlisle are being handed out advice on how to keep children safe and avoid breaking alcohol laws this Christmas.

A flyer, produced jointly by Cumbria Police and the Carlisle & Eden Crime Disorder Partnership, warns of the dangers of under 18 years olds drinking alcohol and also the hefty £5,000 fine that adults could face if they buy alcohol for children and young people.

Alcohol also plays a big part in anti-social behaviour, crime and violence. It can also cause lasting health problems. Every year 10,000 young people aged between 11 and 17 years old are admitted to hospital as a result of drinking, around 6,000 of these children are under 16 years old.

Inspector Di Bradbury said:

"Alcohol plays a big part in crime, anti-social behaviour and violence. It is not only offenders who are influenced by alcohol, but people, especially youngsters, are far more at risk of becoming a victim of crime if they are drunk.

"Police are calling on parents and guardians to protect their children by educating them about the risks and dangers associated with alcohol, and to make sure they know where they are and what they are up to.

"Buying children alcohol could lead to a criminal conviction or £5,000 fine but, more importantly, could seriously damage your child's health, land them in trouble with police and leave them more at risk of becoming a victim of crime."

To promote these important messages on the run up to the festive period, flyers will be handed out at supermarket tills at the major supermarkets in Carlisle and Eden including Asda; Morrison’s; Aldi and Tesco’s.

For further information about the dangers of alcohol, view information here