Adults who buy alcohol for teenagers have been branded irresponsible by the borough's top cop as a crack down on the crime is announced.

The police have joined forces with Richmond upon Thames Council warning those who buy alcohol for under-18s, they are committing a serious criminal offence and are fuelling antisocial behaviour.

Mystery shopper sting operations run by the council are catching traders who sell alcohol to children, but this is undermined by adults who buy the drink then pass it onto them.

This week an appeal has been put our calling on anyone who suspects that an adult may be breaking the law to call their local safer neighbourhood team.

Chief Superintendent Ian Edwards, Richmond borough commander, said: "We do have a problem with underage drinking that results in antisocial behaviour and sometimes worse.

"Young people are especially vulnerable to crime when they have been drinking and my officers often deal with youngsters who are so drunk that they can't properly look out for themselves.

"Adults who buy alcohol on behalf of youngsters behave irresponsibly not only by breaking the law but also by exposing those kids to much greater risks."

Coun David Williams, Richmond council cabinet member for communities, said: "We have achieved great success through our test purchase exercises in cracking down on shopkeepers who break the law by selling alcohol to underage youngsters."