POLICE are targeting underage drinkers and confiscating their booze as part of a campaign to make communities safer.

Officers in Ryedale will be cracking down on under-18s caught with alcohol, as part of their Changing Lives, Making Communities Safer campaign, throughout April.

Acting Sergeant Anna Rees said local neighbourhood police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) would be carrying alcohol test strips, which can be dipped into any liquid to find out whether it contains alcohol.

She said: "A test sample will be analysed on the spot using the testing equipment, and anyone caught in possession of alcohol in public will have the item confiscated and will have to face any other consequences.

"We hope this will highlight to underage drinkers that they are breaking the law and that it will not be tolerated."

The amount of alcohol confiscated as part of the crackdown will be monitored, and details will be released at the end of the month.

Andy Kirk, manager of the Cambridge Drug And Alcohol Advisory Centre, was enthusiastic about the scheme.

He said: "It is hoped that through highlighting to young people the dangers of underage drinking, and the fact that it won't be accepted on our streets, will mean that young people will not be drawn into problematic alcohol use."

He added: "We don't want to see these young people eventually needing our services, and by catching people early it is hoped they will be aware of the dangers of underage and excessive drinking."

The Government-led campaign aims to communicate with communities, and improve people's awareness of the action being taken to tackle crime, drugs, anti-social behaviour and alcohol misuse in the area.

The initiative is part of an effort to help residents feel safer in their own communities.

A Safer Ryedale spokeswoman said: "Tackling underage drinkers is an obvious part of the work being done to tackle alcohol misuse on our streets."

Young people who want free confidential advice or support regarding alcohol or drug use can phone Lacey Madueke on 01653 698547.