POLICE have announced plans to ban drunken house parties as they step up their crackdown on underage boozing across Eastleigh.

Officers could force homes to “close” if youths are caught drinking illegally at rowdy parties that cause chaos in neighbourhoods.

The move comes as officers in the town go further than any other across Hampshire in their ongoing battle against boozing teenagers and antisocial behaviour.

Safer Neighbourhood teams across the county have launched their own crackdown on under-age drinking as part of the force wide antisocial behaviour campaign.

But those in Eastleigh have gone one step further than targeted patrols and seizing booze on the streets – they will be making home visits with the view of “closing” homes that become a persistent nuisance to neighbours.

Rather than just seizing alcohol and ringing parents or guardians, officers in Eastleigh will visit the homes of youths caught drinking illegally to discuss the issue with parents.

Action will also be taken against parents who allow youngsters to host rowdy house parties that continue to disturb the whole neighbourhood.

Recent legislation has given police the power to close premises where there is ongoing antisocial behaviour and now parents are being warned that this could happen to their homes if problems persist under their roof.

PC Angie Whitmarsh, antisocial behaviour officer in Eastleigh, said: “Sometimes adults are leaving their youngsters alone at home and parties are taking place or minors are going out drinking without their parents’ knowledge.

“This can result in disorder and nuisance for the surrounding community, so visits are being made to ensure both adults and children involved know the risks and consequences of this behaviour.”