UNDERAGE drinkers making a nuisance of themselves in Skipton are being tracked down and punished by local police officers.

Operation Tanglewood has seen uniformed officers as well as Craven's drug and substance misuse worker and a team from the Craven Organisation for Drugs and Alcohol (CODA) target hotspots where youths gather to drink.

The CODA team has already been out three times, with seven more patrols planned. Police officers on the beat are also on the lookout for underage drinkers.

During Operation Tanglewood, alcohol will be confiscated from under 18s and the incident will be reported to the child's parents.

Youth action officer Neil Hargreaves said parents could be called at the time of confiscation and letters would also be sent to the youngsters' families giving details of the incident.

Operation Tanglewood uses CCTV and video recording equipment to gather intelligence and evidence of offences and anti-social behaviour.

In some cases youths could face court action for drink-related offences. Those choosing to congregate in school grounds could be prosecuted for trespassing on educational premises.

Landlords are also supporting the scheme by being extra vigilant and asking for identification from anyone who looks under 18.

Off-licensees are also being encouraged to ask for proof of age and report any adults buying alcohol for children.

When youths are stopped in the streets by the CODA team, they are offered information about alcohol abuse and told where they can get help if required. Advice packs will also be sent to parents.

"It is all aimed at helping them and at education and damage limitation. Most anti-social behaviour is alcohol induced," said PC Hargreaves.

He added: "Anti-social behaviour has been highlighted as a problem within the Skipton area and impacts on the quality of life of all residents and visitors.

"This partnership operation is one of a number of planned interventions aimed at reducing incidents over the summer."

On Friday evening, an Operation Tanglewood patrol resulted in 30 youths being given advice.

A number of these youths, who were congregating in Sackville Street, had cans of lager confiscated and poured away down the drain.

Three girls and seven boys were also advised not to re-trespass on to the grounds of Skipton Rugby Club.

And on Wednesday night, two groups of youths in Skipton had alcohol confiscated. One group was at the bus station, and the other at the cricket field at Sandylands. The alcohol included bottles of vodka and beer.