Crime & Safety

Walnut Creek Police Program Discourages Underage Drinking

"Shoulder Tap" programs and other undercover sting operations aimed at discouraging the sale of alcohol to minors is in full swing in Walnut Creek.

Here's a tip from the Walnut Creek Police Department: if you are under 21, don't try to purchase alcohol in the city. And if you an adult, make sure you don't provide alcohol to minors. 

This past weekend, police working in conjunction with the Center for Human Development staged a "shoulder tap" operation at five stores around town that sell alcohol. Police cadets under 21 posed as minors seeking adults to buy alcohol for them.

According to a police department statement, two 7-Eleven store clerks asked the minors to leave, and two other adults who were approached threatened to call police.

Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This operation showed that people are aware of the dangers and liability of participating in such illegal activity and the Walnut Creek Police Department is very proud of both the actions of our citizens and the employees who got involved," the release stated. "We encourage parents to discuss with their children the consequences that are associated with alcohol use. Alcohol that’s obtained illegally (through fake ID’s, asking adults or stealing) can and will result in loss of driving privileges, a criminal record and a huge increase in auto insurance for several years. And those are minor consequences as compared to an arrest for DUI or being another senseless victim of a DUI crash/fatality."

The number of DUI arrests was at an all time high last year, police said. 

"We proactively seek out impaired drivers," according to police, who also urged citizens to phone police when they see impaired drivers. However, (this from Patch) don't call while you're driving, or you're likely to be the one getting a ticket.

Police also urged parents not to allow their kids to have parties or events at home where alcohol is served.

Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"There are several (close to home) stories about tragedies that have occurred as a result of this lapse of judgment," police said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.