Police crackdown on anti social behaviour in Troon and Prestwick

Dec 18 2009 by Cheryl Mcevoy, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

LITRES of booze were poured down the drain as cops targeted anti social behaviour in Troon town centre.

Scores of people were searched and dozens more arrested during the crackdown, which also saw an adult charged with buying alcohol for underagers.

Inspector Bob Smith revealed that one 14-year-old was so drunk she was virtually unconscious and taken to hospital.

The initiative was a direct response to public concern over anti social behaviour in the community.

High profile police joined their plain clothes colleagues on the beat in the town centre.

A massive 45 litres of alcohol were seized and destroyed, all from underagers.

Four juveniles and 11 adults were reported to the children’s panel and the procurator fiscal for street drinking, two 18-year-olds were reported for possession of cannabis and a 17-year-old was charged with possession of a large kitchen knife.

And a 14 and a 16-year-old were arrested in connection with causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to Marr College.

Inspector Smith believes that grown-ups buying booze for youngsters is at the root of many of the problems.

He said: “It was disappointing to find so many young people under the influence of alcohol, which has been purchased by irresponsible adults.

“We will continue to target the very small minority of young people who engage in this type of behaviour.”

Police have worked with South Ayrshire Council to provide diversionary activities in the community.

Troon youth centre is now open on a Friday night as a drop-in centre.

But Inspector Smith warned that there will be no hiding place for weapon weilding thugs.

He added: “The carrying of weapons is unacceptable and we will use all powers available to us, to detect those persons in possession of knives.

“Young men and women carrying knives will ultimately only use them for one thing, committing an act of violence, routinely when under the influence of alcohol.”

Police will continue to work with licensed premises to identify adults willing to buy alcohol for youngsters and patrols will also be stepped up in the town centre and Marr College.