Witney News - Do you know where your kids are? West Oxfordshire

Do you know where your kids are? West Oxfordshire

Police make more than a dozen alcohol fuelled arrests across west Oxfordshire.

Police across West Oxfordshire were kept busy during Saturday (30/09) night with more than a dozen arrests being made for alcohol fuelled offences, which stretched resources across the area.

Seven of these arrests involved young people under the age of 18, who were all under the influence of alcohol which lead to violence. As a result the cell capacity at Witney Police Station was stretched and some of the young prisoners had to be transported some distance to another station, which meant resources were tied up and not available for more serious matters. The juveniles arrested on the night will be subject to the restorative justice process and will be dealt with in due course.

Sgt Scott Evans, Neighbourhood Manager for Witney Neighbourhood Action Group, said: "Neighbourhood Management was introduced last year to allow local people to have more of a say in how they are policed. Police made huge efforts to poll the public in Witney and surrounding parishes as to their main concerns and where the police should be focusing their efforts. As a result the top 3 priorities emerged as:

1. Anti social behaviour
2. Under age drinking
3. Damage

"One flash point in the town saw numerous police resources responding to a youth disco which got out of control, leading to fights and damage. Police helped the organisers regain order and shut the event down, due to a number of drunken youths causing problems.

"There were other minor disturbances across estates in the town leading to arrests, as some of the drunken youths walked home.

"It is a real shame that a minority spoiled the event for many well behaved children and then showed so little consideration for residents, as they continued to make noise and have fights in their alcohol fuelled state until 1am.

"I would appeal to parents and guardians to ensure that they know where their children are and also to ensure that they are not consuming alcohol. Behaviour like we witnessed on Saturday night affects the whole of your neighbourhood, this is the place where you live. This is not just a police problem, it is a quality of life issue and everyone can help to make a difference."