PORTLAND, Conn. -- Police in Portland have been targeting two hot spots for underage drinking.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Katy Zachry reported a policed officer recently cited two minors for carrying cases of beer along Main Street.

The arresting officer said he saw two minors each carrying a 30-pack of beer from a convenience store.

Parents who hear about underage drinking arrested have applauded police but said they worry about the kids.

"It leads to unnecessary risk-taking, poor judgment and poor decision making," Portland police Sgt. Jim Kelly said.

Kelly said officers have cited or arrested nearly a dozen people in the past two months.

Police said two popular spots include the Portland Fairgrounds or deep within the Meshomasic State Forest.

Kelly said officers find many underage kids each time, including cars, alcohol and, sometimes, bonfires.

One week ago, police busted an after-prom house party on Grove Terrace, where the parents were cited for letting minors drink. One of the parents told Eyewitness News they wanted to keep the teens in one area and safe.

"Their intentions may be good, but the bottom line is mixing alcohol and underage kids is dangerous," Kelly said.

"It makes me very uncomfortable," said Pamela Warzecha, a Portland parent. "I think that's wrong. I would never, never allow that, never."

"You got too much to lose at that age," said Kevin Pierini, a Portland parent

Police said they often receive tips about where minors are drinking and they routinely patrol the popular hangout spots.

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