Police drive to stamp out booze crimes is a success

A POLICE crackdown on antisocial behaviour and under-age drinking in a Lothian village has seen a decline in 
complaints to the force.

Antisocial behaviour involving teenagers aged 15 to 17 had blighted Blackburn, West Lothian, including vandalism to the playground in King George V Park which was the scene of repeated fires.

Following complaints from residents, police officers worked to identify and prosecute adults who were purchasing alcohol for under-age youths. The operation saw three people charged for agent purchase offences in September, as well as a number of suspects receiving warnings.

The local Pub Watch scheme also banned anyone charged with this offence for two years.

Meanwhile, police mounted extra patrols in King George V Park, the Mill Centre and Riddochhill Drive, where the problems had centred.

Calls about antisocial behaviour had hit nine in October but fell to just one in December.

Officers also set out to encourage bored youngsters 
to take part in local youth 
activities.