Making a Difference

Achieving a Safer Community

Operation Avon Gets Message Home

The misuse of alcohol is one of the major causes of anti-social behaviour in Moray, particularly amongst young people.

In an effort to address this growing trend, Operation Avon runs regularly every weekend.  This is a multi-agency initiative, which targets areas that have been identified as hotspots for under age drinking and youth disorder.  The idea is that the agencies involved, including NHS Grampian, Moray Youth Action and the Council's Detached Youth Workers, join together with Police Officers and Community Wardens, and concentrate their presence in a particular area.  Whilst the Police deal in an appropriate manner with youths, who have been drinking, or are drunk, the other agencies pass on health and lifestyle messages to the young people and their parents.

Over the last 18 months, 60 Operation Avons have been held throughout Moray.  Significant quantities of alcohol, ranging through beer to wine and spirits, have been seized.  In addition, nearly 100 letters have been sent to parents regarding their child's involvement in under-age drinking activities.  This covered activities, such as possessing alcohol, being under the influence, being in the area where alcohol had been found secreted or being in the company of others, who have been involved in such activities.

"The Youth Justice team has committed increasing resources to Operation Avon over the last few years.  We have had the opportunity to work in partnership with other agencies to listen to the young people, offer advice and guidance, discuss them taking responsibility for their actions while under the influence and inform their parents of possible supports that may be required.  Although the numbers receiving face-to-face support are not high, the feedback from one young man was that 'someone took the time to hear his story and assist him to resolve some difficulties he had with his parents'."                                                                                  Alan Johnstone, Moray Youth Justice.