Sgt Tim Robson often seizes alcohol from youngsters drinking in public. However, it can prove difficult to establish where the alcohol comes from.

He realised that the details stamped on the sides of bottles or cans, known as the lot code, identify the serial number of the batch.

From this, it is possible to trace the store it would have been delivered to.

The scheme has a 98% success rate when it comes to identifying the store concerned.

'Simple idea'

Officers are also able to check the images on internal CCTV cameras to provide further evidence of who made the purchase.

Sgt Robson, who is substance misuse officer with Durham Police, said: "The lot codes, which are stamped on by the manufacturer, are specific to a limited number of stores within any given area.

"Knowing what part of town the young people are from then means you can put two and two together and trace the premises from where the alcohol was sold.

"It's hard to believe nobody has thought of this before, since the idea is simplicity itself.

"It has also generated interest from several other forces who have said they intend to follow our lead."