The antics of drunken youths in Oamaru on Saturday night fuelled disorder throughout the town, leading to four arrests by Oamaru police.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said yesterday alcohol-related disorder, particularly involving intoxicated youths under the drinking age, posed a major problem for police.
Incidents included a letter box being damaged and a car window being smashed.
One youth was kept in the cells overnight because he was too drunk to be dealt with, while another who was taken home by police vomitted in the patrol car.
In another incident, about half a dozen young people aged between 15 and 17 were invited to a party at a private residence.
However, about 70 turned up as word about the party spread around town among young people.
When police arrived, the party broke up before any action had to be taken.
Most of the trouble was caused by drunken 14- to 17-year-olds wandering around town Sgt Woodbridge said.
