Police drive to stamp out booze crimes is a success
Antisocial behaviour involving teenagers aged 15 to 17 had blighted Blackburn, West Lothian, including vandalism to the playground in King George V Park which was the scene of repeated fires.
Following complaints from residents, police officers worked to identify and prosecute adults who were purchasing alcohol for under-age youths. The operation saw three people charged for agent purchase offences in September, as well as a number of suspects receiving warnings.
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Hide AdThe local Pub Watch scheme also banned anyone charged with this offence for two years.
Meanwhile, police mounted extra patrols in King George V Park, the Mill Centre and Riddochhill Drive, where the problems had centred.
Calls about antisocial behaviour had hit nine in October but fell to just one in December.
Officers also set out to encourage bored youngsters to take part in local youth activities.