Cops target teen drinking sessions
Police reveal huge haul of confiscated booze after blitz
Teenage drinkers are using private messaging apps to arrange mass boozing sessions at some of Paisley’s most secluded spots.
Police swooped on a group of more than 50 youngsters at a gassy area near Dykebar Hospital on Saturday night before seizing a huge haul of tonic wine, vodka, beer and cider.
Similar underage bevy busts have taken place at Gleniffer Braes, Barshaw Park and Shortroods as cops crackdown on the problem.
Behind woods at Gleniffer Braes officers discovered around 100 kids, some aged just 14, downing strong spirits with friends.
It’s understood the mass gatherings are being arranged over private social media group chats.
Paisley Inspector Tracy Harkins said a change in frontline policing had allowed on the beat cops to not only identify the underage drinking problem, but also tackle it.
She said: “With the light nights we’re seeing an increase in the number of teenagers out in the evenings, especially at weekends, and that appears to have led to an increase in underage drinking.
“We have listened to the concerns of residents in, or near, areas such as Dykebar, Gleniffer Braes, Barshaw Park and Shortroods and we are now proactively tackling the problem of underage drinking which can lead to anti-social behaviour, violence and vandalism.
“Over the weekend, officers visited Dykebar where they discovered a group of up to 50 teenagers, aged between 14 and 17, drinking.
“One of the youths threw a bottle at officers before a large quantity of alcohol was confiscated.
“Officers also visited Gleniffer Braes where up to 100 teenagers were found with a quantity of alcohol.
“These gatherings appear to have been arranged via social network sites and messaging apps, which publicise the meetings to other teenagers.
“Several of the youths were returned home where officers spoke with the parents.”
A team of officers will now focus on problem to curb the large turnouts for underage drinking sessions.
Inspector Harkins added: “I am delighted with the result of the operation and the impact this has on youth crime and anti-social behaviour, officers are working closely with local residents to identify areas where