Teenage drunks spoiling gala days
Parents urged to check on their children
A policeman is urging parents to make sure they know where their children are as he warned that gala day season has brought a surge in teenagers drinking and fighting.
Over the past two weekends, community sergeant John Fleming and his colleagues have been forced to deal with drunk, brawling youths and teenagers who are spoiling gala days for everyone else.
John, who is based in Bathgate, said parents need to make sure they know where their youngsters are at the weekends – and warned that young people were putting themselves at risk by drinking to excess.
He told the Courier: “Overconsumption of alcohol appears to be the purpose of the day for some and the resultant actions of a few can spoil the enjoyment for so many.
“Having worked closely with many of the organising committees for these events, it is clear that they are doing their best to provide a safe environment for local people to enjoy their day.
“Your local police also work hard at these events to ensure that they keep people safe, especially in these times of heightened threat levels.”
John said that in the last two weekends alone, officers have dealt with an influx of drunkenness and violence, including a young man being assaulted with a knife following East Calder Gala Day and drunks disrupting the Bathgate Procession.
He said: “Unfortunately at Bathgate, the evening Massed Bands Parade at the procession was interrupted as the duty police sergeant had to stop the parade between marching bands due to two incidents on Glasgow Road.
“Both involved inebriated young people under the age of 18.
“Thereafter due to people drinking too much and from too early in the day, Bathgate experienced a far higher than normal number of alcohol-related calls to local police and other emergency services.
“Many calls were for drunk young people either causing a disturbance or where people were concerned for their wellbeing.
“When contacted, many parents were unaware what their children were doing or where they were. Many young people put themselves at risk of harm due to their alcohol consumption and resultant behaviour.
“There was also a significant amount of youth disorder and unfortunately violence after the East Calder Gala as large groups of youths, many under the influence of alcohol, were involved in incidents in and around Almondell Park in the evening.”
John said parents need to be aware of where their children are and if necessary accompany them to and from friends’ houses to make sure they cannot get into any trouble.
He said: “As the festivities continue in West Lothian over the summer, I appeal to all parents to speak to their children and ask some searching questions of them to ensure their safety.
“If they are going out to enjoy a gala day, do you know who they are with? Do you know what they are planning? Can you contact them in an emergency? And if they are going to a house party is there a responsible adult present?
“The majority of young people go out and enjoy the day in a responsible manner. However for some adults and young people, alcohol plays too big a part.”
I appeal to all parents to speak to their children and ask some searching questions Sgt Fleming