NORTH Ayrshire Police are calling time on underage drinking as part of an ongoing campaign.

Additional officers were deployed last weekend in response to concerns raised recently by residents reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

As part of Ayrshire Police Division’s Safe Summer Campaign, local police officers have been working alongside partners including North Ayrshire Council Youth Services and Community Wardens to provide a timely response to issues concerning local people.

Over the weekend, officers conducted joint patrols in Beith with Youth Workers providing information to young people on staying safe and the risks associated with underage drinking.

Over 12 litres of alcohol and a quantity of cigarettes were seized during the patrols.

A 16-year-old youth was issued a fixed penalty notice for allegedly consuming alcohol in the street.

Officers were able to track some of the alcohol back to the point of purchase and this has resulted in a 17-year-old-youth being reported for allegedly buying alcohol and cigarettes from a licensed off-sales premise when underage.

Two staff members at the off sales premises in Beith will also be reported in relation to this alleged sale.

Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, Area Commander in North Ayrshire, commented: “We are committed to keeping communities safe and to working with our partners in tackling the concerns of local people.

“Underage drinking not only has serious health implications for young people but it can leave them vulnerable – alcohol is often a major contributory factor in crime and anti-social behaviour and this impacts on the community as a whole.” Anyone with information on crime in local communities is encouraged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 (always dial 999 in an emergency) or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.