Police to target booze violence

Police said under-age drinking increased during the school holidays

Police forces across Scotland are to begin a summer crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence.

The four-week campaign aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and will focus on cutting under-age drinking, which increases during the school holidays.

Street drinking by all age groups will be dealt with through byelaws and test purchasing will also be carried out.

Meanwhile, all forces will also launch a two-week drink/drug driving campaign which will focus on men aged 17-29.

As part of the crackdown, high visibility patrols will be out in force and anyone who is stopped for failing to adhere to road traffic laws will be breathalysed as a matter of course.

The campaign aims to convince drivers that a conviction has the potential to ruin lives because it remains on their licence for 11 years and could affect future employment prospects.

The crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence is being spearheaded by the national Violence Reduction Unit.

It is rare to come across crimes of violence on our streets which are not associated with alcohol misuse Andrew Laing Procurator fiscal for Highlands

Forces across the country will use volunteers under the age of 18 to see how many off-sales and licensed premises are prepared to sell them alcohol.

Police are also reminding parents that they have an important role to play in ensuring youngsters do not have access to alcohol.

Andrew Laing, procurator fiscal for the Highlands and Islands, said there was a "clear connection" between alcohol misuse and criminal behaviour.

"Indeed one might go so far as to say that it is rare to come across crimes of violence on our streets which are not associated with alcohol misuse," he said.

"Over indulgence of alcohol can lead to people acting out of character, turning a trivial argument or dispute into episodes of violence with sometimes tragic consequences.

"Those committing such violent offences when sober are often devastated when they appreciate the magnitude of their actions."

But, he said, that was little comfort to victims and members of the public who have to deal with the consequences.