AS GERMAN police officers brace themselves for rampaging soccer yobs, Cheshire police have their own masterplan to deal with trouble.

In rural areas, including Frodsham and Helsby, it is under-age drinking which is the biggest concern. Police are asking parents who have stocked up their home supplies of alcohol for the TV soccer-fest to make sure the alcohol does not get abused by their children.

A domestic violence fast response unit has also been set up, with additional experienced officers on standby to deal with an expected increase in incidents caused by excessive drinking and soccer-fuelled drama.

Insp Phil Hodgson, of Western Rural police, has lined up more officers to quickly respond to any reports of anti-social behaviour in the villages. He said: 'There is no doubt in my mind that the World Cup will bring many problems.There is going to be no shortage of alcohol in the homes that will be accessible to youths.

'Stores are urging people to stock up for the games, offering incentives, especially if they buy in bulk. There should be some responsible retailing but at the moment I don't think we are seeing this.'

Booze has been taken from more than 60 youngsters, mostly aged 14-16, during Operation Amec.

Insp Hodgson believes there are three main ways youth obtain alcohol:

By proxy sale.

By under-age sale.

Stealing or from home.

Parents are urged to monitor how much alcohol is in the house and make a note if any goes missing.

Insp Hodgson said: 'Intrusive parenting is needed to help combat the problem. Parents should find out where their children are going and be aware that drinking may go on and stop it before it gets out of hand.'

On a recent evening, a 15-year-old boy collapsed in front of officers in Frod-sham. He banged his head and was lucky not to have serious injuries.

His father was called and said he knew his son was in Frodsham but had no idea that he had been drinking.

Insp Hodgson has deployed three extra officers to tackle the problem.

Anyone who is approached or sees someone selling alcohol to under-age drinkers should call 0845 11 32 500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.