But there is a difference between run-of-the-mill juvenile high spirits and causing real trouble.

And the sort of professional experience the police possess in abundance shows the latter most often occurs when youngsters are fuelled by drink or drugs.

That is because under the influence of either, teenagers lose any inhibitions and sense of responsibility they might have.

They are then likely to commit vandalism and acts of violence they would not dream of if sober and in full control of their senses.

With this in mind, confiscating alcohol from such children - because that is what they are - is an excellent idea.

There is a strong argument that young people are not wholly to blame and those making and marketing some alcopop-style drinks quite deliberately at such a youthful crowd bear a heavy responsibility.

Also parents should have some idea where their children are and what they are doing.

But whoever is at fault, police are to be congratulated for seizing such a vast amount of cans of cider, lager and stronger stuff from children as young as 11 in the Blackburn area in just three weeks.

They should keep up the good work.