A CAMPAIGN designed to stem rowdy behaviour caused by underage drinking in and around a west Suffolk town has been launched.The Sudbury initiative, named Operation Sobriety, was set up following complaints from local residents, who expressed their concern at youths gathering in a number of places and drinking before making a nuisance of themselves.

A CAMPAIGN designed to stem rowdy behaviour caused by underage drinking in and around a west Suffolk town has been launched.

The Sudbury initiative, named Operation Sobriety, was set up following complaints from local residents, who expressed their concern at youths gathering in a number of places and drinking before making a nuisance of themselves.

Police officers, together with special constables are now targeting the "hotspot" areas in Sudbury, Great Cornard, Long Melford and Glemsford.

The first night of action, on Fridaysaw one 15-year-old youth arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

A total of 27 youths were found under the influence of alcohol and have been referred to the Youth Nuisance Register.

Insp Louisa Pepper, of Sudbury police said 15 vessels containing alcoholic drink were disposed of and one bottle of wine was seized.

Ms Pepper said: "Operation Sobriety is aimed at targeting underage drinking and subsequent youth nuisance.

"We need to emphasise to youths that they are not complying with the licensing laws and are committing an offence by consuming alcohol if under the age of 18.

"Youth disorder around the area is often fuelled by the consumption of alcohol. We hope that by targeting specific known areas, the number of incidents of disorder will reduce thus improving the quality of life for local residents."

She said further nights of action under Operation Sobriety would continue through the school holidays.

"We are not only targeting youths, we have visited business premises and off licences where we have received information that alcohol is being sold to people under the age of 18, and they have been warned of the offences that are being committed," said the inspector.

Anyone who has information regarding underage drinking should call Sudbury police on 01284 774300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.