A summer crackdown is targeting binge-drinkers, says police

Binge-drinking troublemakers wreaking havoc in Bournemouth are being targeted as part of a summer campaign which began in July, Dorset police said.

In a bid to make the town safer at night, a police van equipped with CCTV cameras also monitors the area.

The clampdown will continue until the middle of September.

'Yobs not tolerated'

Inspector Neil MacBean, central section commander, said: "We now have more officers on patrol in the town on Friday and Saturday nights than ever before, which I believe is the most effective deterrent to violent crime and alcohol-related disorder.

"We are also being vigilant to clampdown on underage drinkers and people consuming alcohol in prohibited public places."

Alcohol is the root cause of 70% of weekend night admissions to casualty, according to Home Office statistics.

Problem drinking is thought to cost the UK about �20bn a year through crime, injuries and lost productivity at work.

Inspector MacBean added: "We simply will not tolerate violent, drunken yobs who spoil everyone else's enjoyment - or licensees that encourage binge-drinking and contribute to the problem in the first place."