POLICE seized alcohol and issued 39 youth referral forms on the first night of a clampdown on alcohol-related crime.

Officers targeted hotspots for anti-social behaviour and drunkenness across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale using a range of tactics.

These included seizing alcohol from under-18s, taking young people home, putting high-profile patrols on the streets and paying unexpected visits to licensed premises.

Town centre drink bans were also rigorously enforced wherever they are in place and youth referral forms involving official letters to parents were issued. Test purchases were carried out at off-licenses in Burnley and Padiham and regular visits were made to the Toll Bar in Stacksteads, currently subject to a youth dispersal order.

The crackdown was part of a county-wide scheme known as Operation Nightsafe and was in response to problems identified with drinking at bank holiday weekends.

Inspector Andy Moore, who co-ordinated the work in Pennine Division, said he was pleased with the progress of the operation, which is still ongoing today.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Hodson said: "Our communities are fed up of the aggressive behaviour of alcohol-fuelled youths and the drunken vandalism that is a consequence of binge-drinking.

"By drinking to excess these people make themselves liable to become the cause or victims of crime.

"These irresponsible people take up a disproportionate amount of police time and resources, drawing officers away from local communities.

"We want people to have a good night out but we want them to make sure their behaviour does not impinge on the ability of others to do likewise.

"The operation will be the first of many that demonstrate our commitment to reducing alcohol-related disorder throughout the country."