Police in North and East Hampshire are reminding residents not to buy alcohol for underage teenagers.

As part of the summer anti-social behaviour campaign officers will be targeting underage drinking and those adults who supply alcohol to young people.

On one occasion an 18-year-old who purchased alcohol for a group of youths in Fleet was traced and given an £80 fixed penalty notice for the offence.

Officers will also be carrying out test purchase operations to ensure licensed premises are not selling alcohol to underage people.

On Saturday, June 19 a test purchase operation was carried out in Hart and Rushmoor. A 16-year-old girl was used to attempt to buy alcohol at various stores across the districts.

A total of six stores failed the operation and appropriate action was taken.

The stores that failed were Costcutter in Tudor Drive, Yateley, Stop and Shop in Blackwater, Londis in Chapel Lane, Farnborough, McColls in North Lane, Aldershot, Your Choice Food and Wine in High Street, Aldershot and All Hours in High Street, Aldershot.

PC Alan Reid, of the North and East Hampshire Safer Streets Team, said: “Summer is here and alcohol coming into the hands of underage people can lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and assaults.

“If you are approached when out shopping by underage people asking you to buy them alcohol you should refuse. By purchasing alcohol for someone underage you find yourself with a court date or fixed penalty notice.

“It was disappointing that several premises failed the test purchase operation. It seems that some licensed premises are still not heeding the message that it is illegal to sell alcohol to children and young people.

“As part of Hampshire Constabulary’s summer campaign to combat anti-social behaviour we will continue to conduct more of these operations.

“It is extremely important that retailers check identification before selling alcohol. If there is any doubt they should follow the ‘Challenge 21’ initiative and ask anyone who looks under 21 to provide photo ID to prove they are at least 18 years old.”