POLICE are stepping up patrols in Wareham in a bid to make the start to the weekend safer.

The aim is to eliminate antisocial behaviour from the town centre on Friday nights.

More officers will be on patrol in an effort to make sure that people have fun safely.

The force says young people are drawn to Wareham from across Purbeck on Friday nights thanks to organised activities laid on by youth clubs, and antisocial behaviour is down by 29 per cent compared to this time last year.

But officers say that over the past few months complaints have been received over bad behaviour linked to irresponsible drinking.

In response, officers will be focusing on hot spots in the town over the coming weeks.

They will be seizing drink from anyone under the age of 18 and contacting parents of those acting in an antisocial manner.

Safer Neighbourhood Sgt Jonathan Wasey said: “The people of Wareham are very proud of the friendly atmosphere that they create in the town centre at weekends and this operation is aimed at a very small number of people who ruin it for the majority.

“Our message to young people is please behave responsibly, distance yourself from other people who are intent on behaving in an antisocial manner and please consider local residents while you are out in the town.

“Our message to parents is please know where your children are, what they are doing and who they are with and ensure that they do not have access to alcohol.

“Wareham has a great nightlife – ideal for socialising – but we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour.”

Police said they will also continuing working with councils to get to the grass roots of the reasons why young people are abusing alcohol and getting involved with incidents of antisocial behaviour.