Police warn teens caught with knives

A gang of four teenagers were caught with knives in Coatbridge last week — now police are warning of the dangers of such mindless behaviour.

The group of boys — aged just 13 and 14 — were found in possession of three lock-back blades on Townhead Road last Wednesday evening.

They were reported by the police and warned about the possible tragic consequences their foolish actions could’ve caused.

Inspector Steven Miller, of Airdrie Police, told the Advertiser: “Most people will never experience knife crime first-hand, but the outcome for those who do can be devastating.

“Police Scotland and our partners are working hard to change attitudes towards the carrying of knives.

“Advice and guidance to assist parents to have a conversation with their child about this issue is available to those who need further assistance via the parent line on 0800 28 22 23.

“More information can also be found at the No Knives, Better Lives website, www. noknivesbetterlives.com.”

Nightclub disturbance

Police arrested a 19-year-old Coatbridge man who caused a disturbance outside a popular nightclub last weekend.

The ill-tempered male became verbally abusive near the entrance to Hush during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Officers deployed to the location as part of their weekend town-centre patrol plans caught him in the act and took him into custody.

A full report on the arrest has been sent to the procurator fiscal ahead of the man’s appearance at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Phone stolen at A&E

A quick-fingered teenager despicably stole a mobile phone from a man at Monklands Hospital.

The 16-year-old culprit took the item from his victim, who was standing in the hospital’s A&E department at the time, last Sunday.

Fortunately, the phone was later recovered by local police officers and returned to its owner.

Inspector Miller said: “The male who was arrested for the theft has been reported in relation to the incident.”

Attempted car theft

A shameless thief tried to steal a car parked in an Airdrie street before police swooped in to take him into custody.

The 38-year-old man was seen attempting to break into the unattended vehicle on Manse Place last Wednesday, June 15.

Inspector Miller added: “Local officers responded swiftly to prevent the male from escaping and he was arrested.”

The man is due to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Resisted arrest

An aggressive man who caused a disturbance and later resisted arresting police officers spent part of the weekend behind bars.

Police were called out to reports of the 19-yearold acting in a threatening manner at a property on Morar Crescent in Coatbridge last Sunday.

On arrival, the officers were given cause to arrest the heated male but he tried to resist their efforts.

He was, however, taken into police custody and will now have to face up to his actions in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Road traffic offenders

Two men have been arrested for road traffic offences following a police crackdown in and around the Gartlea area.

The pair — aged 44 and 48 ‚ were pulled over by officers on Gartlea Road last Friday.

Inspector Miller said: “Road policing officers had been assisting local officers within this area when they observed the motor vehicle being driven at this location.

“Further enquiries revealed a number of offences.

“Following last week’s policing activity in the Garlea area, a number of males have been reported for disorder and road traffic offences.”

Cops in school talks

Police are set to visit schools across Monklands before the summer break to speak with pupils about safety and antisocial behaviour.

Airdrie and Coatbridge officers will deliver talks to primary school pupils and offer advice to them and their parents.

Inspector Miller added: “We will visit several of our primary schools and talk with the children on staying safe during the summer holidays and the impact anti-social behaviour has on the community.”

Most people will never experience knife crime first-hand, but the outcome for those who do can be devastating