Police have promised to shut down off-licences and pubs that persistently flout the law by selling booze to under-age children.
Officers believe irresponsible staff in Billericay are helping to fuel rising crime rates among youths at Lake Meadows park.
The drunken children are also more easily tempted by the hard drugs offered by pushers working in the area.
Police sources revealed that the Dillons One-Stop store, in the High Street, has been warned about selling alcohol to youths, but it is not alone.
Passers-by who agree to buy alcohol and cigarettes for children waiting outside shops have also been told they could be prosecuted if caught.
Insp Richard Croft says the crackdown is all part of his new zero tolerance approach to crime in and around the park.
He said: "Looking at the rising crime rates for criminal damage, assaults, robbery and theft from motor vehicles it is apparent that a number of those responsible are intoxicated.
"We are clamping down on the off-licences and pubs to stop them selling alcohol to young people. We've put up posters to notify businesses and will be prosecuting anyone we catch."
Steve Lynch, senior manager of Essex Trading Standards, said officers would be carrying out undercover test purchases.
Scott Harrison, covering manager at Dillons, said: "This store does not have a manager at the moment, only a number of covering managers. I have been here for a week and have not seen any problems."
Published Monday July 12, 2004
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