Police to make presence felt in blitz on underage drinkers

Published on Friday 5 December 2008 09:30

POLICE are to scour bus stops for underage youngsters carrying alcohol as part of a blitz on anti-social behaviour over the festive season.

The "Christmas Presence" will see officers carrying out early-evening "gateway checks" at bus stops outside the city centre to stop youths bringing alcohol into town.

Police chiefs are also planning extra patrols on Friday and Saturday nights throughout December and council chiefs have assigned a youth worker to support officers.

Meanwhile, environmental wardens will also be carrying out night patrols, targeting late night revellers dropping take-away food cartons.

The transport marshals scheme, where stewards control the taxi ranks, has also been extended.

Superintendent Mark Williams said today: "We will be giving a particular focus to tackling anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

"With that in mind there will be a more visible policing presence on the streets and they will be supported by council staff.

"I would ask the public to work with us to support those efforts so everyone can enjoy themselves safely in the Capital this Christmas."

He added: "It's testimony to the joint planning we have undertaken that so many organisations are involved and so many staff will be on duty."

Police patrols will target off-licences and shops selling alcohol in order to prevent any underage sales, while the council's mobile CCTV unit will be targeting hotspots.

Officers and council licensing officials will also carry out evening patrols of pubs and nightclubs with advice and support being provided to staff on preventing over-consumption of alcohol.

The transport marshals will be on duty at taxi ranks on Lothian Road at Rutland Place and the Sheraton Hotel, Waverley Bridge, and on the High Street at the Radisson Hotel.

George Street at the Dome and the top of Leith Walk at Baxter's Place will also have safety stewards in place.

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's community safety leader said: "We want to ensure that shoppers, residents, visitors and revellers enjoy the time they spend in Edinburgh over the festive period.

"Working with partners means our efforts are more concentrated and better results are achieved.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas."

The Christmas Presence initiative also involves the British Transport Police, who will be carrying out extra patrols on trains running in and out of the Capital in December.