Police in Fife are launching a festive crime blitz amid an influx of counterfeit bank notes. Underage drinking, drugs and offensive weapons will all be targeted.
The warning comes as a batch of fake £20 notes were discovered in circulation in the Glenrothes area. Police are warning that while ASBOs and fixed penalties will be used in some cases, other offenders could find themselves locked up.
Parents have been urged to ensure they know where their children are at night to avoid a knock on the door from the police.
Community sergeant Kenny Greig said: “I am appealing to local parents and guardians to become more involved in their own community by making sure they know where their child is at night, who they are meeting and if they are in a safe environment.
“I’m sure no one wants the police at their door with their child who has been found in the company of others drinking alcohol, committing acts of vandalism, under the influence of drugs, being charged with an offence or worse, the victim of a crime.”
“A common theme when youngsters are taken home to their parents or are put into custody is firstly shock that their child is involved and secondly, they didn’t actually know where their child was going for the evening.”
He added: “Finding out where they are going and checking with the ‘friend’s’ parents if your child states that they are staying with a friend, could stop you getting an unexpected visit by the police, a call to attend a custodyarea or worse, a hospital.
“The safety of your children in the community is paramount but the first step lies with you.”
The weekend crackdown will focus on central Glenrothes where residents have complained anti-social behaviour is having a detrimental affect on their quality of life.
Speeding and road safety will also be tackled as part of the initiative.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Sergeant Greig.
“We have been told at local community engagement meetings that this is an issue and we will strive to make our community a better place to live.”
Community officers and plain clothes officers, as well as special constables and community wardens, will be deployed as part of the plan.
Procedures will include stop and search for drugs, alcohol and weapons.
Youngsters will then be offered the chance to take part in the Fife Alcohol Diversion Project, and anyone found with drugs could be taken into custody and may face a court appearance.