SHOPS which sell alcohol to under age drinkers are being targeted in a police clampdown aimed at cutting booze-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

The move follows a recent haul by Clitheroe police, who seized a substantial amount of alcohol from youngsters in the town.

The alcohol was confiscated from 15 and 16-year-olds camping near to Cross Hill Quarry in Clitheroe and police said they were now going to target those selling alcohol to youngsters.

Sergeant John Lindsey of Clitheroe police said: "It's about controlling the problem and we are going to be targeting those selling to children or people who are under age.

"Of particular concern is alcohol consumption in public areas and that's what we hope to target.

"The ones we are taking alcohol off tend to be between 14 and 17-years-old and are found drinking in places such as the castle grounds, not so much the town centre. Having said that there is sometimes a problem on the streets, just not as much with under age drinkers.

"We seize the alcohol and usually fill in referral forms. We can sometimes take action, it just depends how many times they have been cautioned.

"It's about reducing crime and anti social behaviour related to alcohol.

"It's more evident in the summer because of the longer nights when you tend to get more complaints. That's not to say it doesn't happen in the winter but our objective is to reduce alcohol-related crime."

The operations are running in conjunction with Operation Summer Nights, Lancashire-police's county-wide initiative to combat anti-social behaviour.

Police behind this campaign hope to cut down on yobbish behaviour have joined forces with the national Drinkaware Trust in the latest move to curb heavy drinking.

In the summer months there is traditionally an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour that is often fuelled by alcohol.