On trail of yobs at nature reserve
Police warning over anti-social behaviour
Police have reported 18 youths in a blitz on teeny boozers and drug abusers at Baron’s Haugh nature reserve.
And three of the18 youths will be reported to the procurator fiscal for being in possession of drugs.
Officers were this week warning teenagers not to congregate and drink or take drugs in the area after two-week crackdown following complaints from fed-up residents in the area.
Sergeant Alex Pllu, of the Community Problem Solving Team, said they will have extra patrols in the area to stamp out the antisocial behaviour and alcohol and drug taking at the nature trail.
He said: “We have spoken to residents in the area about kids congregating drinking alcohol and cause damage down at the nature trail.
“The problem is that kids from Hamilton and Blantyre are getting on the train to Airbles Station.
“They are drinking alcohol and then causing damage.
“We will keep targeting the area and taking the alcohol of the teenagers until they get the message.”
The youths, aged from 14 to 18, are causing a trail of destruction with smashed glass bottles lying over the footpath in the area.
This is causing a problem for dog walkers and cyclists who use the nature trail.
Sergeant Pllu said they will use a mix of officers on bikes, uniformed officers and plainclothed officers to deal with the issue.
He added: “My message to residents in the area is that we will take action until the problem goes away.
“My message to the kids is stop