POLICE are warning there will be no hiding place for troublemakers over New Year.

And they will be clamping down on underage drinkers in a bid to keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble.

There will be dozens of police patrolling the streets to prevent any outbreaks of drunken violence.

The ambulance service is also on high-alert on New Year’s Eve for what is expected to be one of its busiest nights of the year.

In addition to high visibility patrols, a dedicated team of police officers has been assigned to target underage drinkers on the streets of Weymouth and Portland. There will be teams of officers on foot and there will also be unmarked police vehicles patrolling the town specifically to seek out young people who are drinking alcohol underage and causing trouble.

Alcohol will be seized from anyone under the age of 18 and their parents will be contacted.

Acting Sergeant for New Year’s Eve, Christine Gould, said: “In previous New Year celebrations Dorset police and Dorset ambulance have been called to assist younger people under the age of 18, who have drunk to such an excess that they have been confused and unable to walk unassisted.

“This year both the police and ambulance service are asking that parents ensure that they know where their children are and take all reasonable steps to ensure that they do not become a victim or land up in hospital due to excessive drinking.

“During the New Year celebrations the police will focus on any youngster caught drinking in public and contact their parents if necessary.”

Police have already visited pubs and clubs advising them of the perils of serving underage drinkers. Trading standards officers have also been carrying out test purchases to see if anyone has been flouting the law.

Dorset police said that the patrols will be targeting all troublemakers in a bid to prevent an increase in incidents of violence as a result of people drinking too much alcohol while they are celebrating New Year.

Inspector Peter Meteau, who is responsible for policing in Weymouth town centre, said: “The most unfortunate thing I see is young men, who have never been in trouble before, who have drunk to excess and ended up in a fight.

“Most of the time they can’t remember what they’ve done the night before and when they’re shown the evidence they are astounded that their behaviour has sunk so low. Drinking too much alcohol impairs your judgement.

“This could cause you problems with the law or your health if you get into a fight. Walk away from trouble.”