He was speaking as Operation Snapper, a scheme that tackles underage drinking and drinking in public areas, is set to begin again this weekend.

Following on from last year's successful campaign Snapper - Support No Alcohol in Public Places through Partnership, Enforcement and Regulation - will target hot-spot public areas to confiscate alcohol from underage drinkers and from people flouting council byelaws on drinking in public.

All alcohol seized by officers will be destroyed and any underage drinker caught by police may also be liable for prosecution. Adults found purchasing or supplying alcohol for use by juveniles can also expect prosecution.

Operation Snapper has resulted in the confiscation of over 26,000 items of alcohol and the detection of over 1,000 persons since it began in July 2008.

Chief Inspector Moore said: "Underage drinking can lead to criminal damage, assault and fear of crime for residents in areas subject to this kind of anti-social behaviour. It presents a significant issue to our local community.

"We want to send a message to those juveniles who drink in public areas and exhibit anti-social behaviour that this will not be tolerated."

Chief Inspector Moore added that while enforcement has a role to play, the issues around young people's drinking cannot be tackled by any organisation working in isolation.

"Police have been working to address young people's drinking along with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety; Northern Ireland Office; Policing Board; Public Health Agency; the Department of Education and the alcohol industry" he said.

"The current 'You, Your Child and Alcohol' campaign aims to challenge parents to think twice about the serious consequences underage drinking can have.

"Parents often underestimate how much influence they have on their children and hopefully this campaign will give them an opportunity to establish boundaries around alcohol."