PAISLEY/RENFREW: DOZENS SNARED AS POLICE BLITZ NEDS

DOZENS SNARED AS POLICE BLITZ NEDS


A CRACKDOWN on violence, vandalism and binge drinking on the streets saw more than 100 yobs being cautioned and a staggering 80 litres of booze being seized by police.

Scores of troublesome neds were snared in a late-night operation by cops aimed at ridding Paisley and Renfrew of the scourge of anti-social behaviour.

The police and warden teams took to the street to target hotspots for public disorder, vandalism and drinking on the streets.

And over the two-night operation in trouble spots in Paisley and Renfrew;

Seven arrests were made, including a racial breach of the peace, possession of drugs and carrying a weapon;

10 young neds were reported to the council’s anti-social behaviour team;

80 litres of booze was seized including wine, spirits, beer and high strength cider

119 youths were warned by cops for a series of offences including drinking in public, breach of the peace and urinating in public.

The clampdown was yesterday hailed as a success by police and community wardens, who encouraged those who were warned to get off the streets and into local community clubs or sports groups.

A police spokesman said: “The operation proved to be very worthwhile, as well as seizing 80 litres of alcohol from underage drinkers and adults who were drinking on public, we also managed to talk with scores of youths and promote a better lifestyle, off the streets.

“We will continue to focus on anti-social behaviour because it is a disproportionate problem with a minority causing so much grief and hassle for the communities.”

Around 20 cops, including mounted police, 10 neighbourhood wardens and two members of the ASIST outreach team, who promoted local sports and community groups, were out till midnight on both nights.

The teams visited problem areas of Paisley including Gallowhill, Barshaw Park, Fountain Gardens and Arkleston in Renfrew, after a series of complaints from irate families in the areas.

Gallowhill councillors Mary Fee and Eddie Grady praised the initiative in their neighbourhood.

Mr Grady said: “It is great to see officers speaking to young people in the open surroundings so that both the young people and the officers can get to know each other informally.

“The point of this initiative is to divert young people away from trouble and I welcome it as it helps to show our young people that there is more to do than just hang around street corners.”

Ms Fee added: “There was no question of turning a blind eye to misbehaviour as more than 80 litres of alcohol was taken off the streets as the police confiscated various carry-outs.

“However most of the young people were the usual good-natured youngsters we all want to see and they joined in the spirit of the whole project.”

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