Efforts to combat teenage boozing have led to a dramatic fall in anti-social behaviour in a Fife town.
Police say their “disrupt, detect and deter” tactics have helped to cut drink-fuelled violence in Levenmouth and resulted in fewer complaints from members of the public.
Parents stockpiling cheap, supermarket-bought alcohol had previously been accused of unwittingly contributing to the problem, as youngsters helped themselves to drink unnoticed.
Hotspots of bad behaviour including the shorehead, Letham Glen and Scoonie areas of Leven were targeted by officers in a bid to resolve the problem.
Police on mountain bikes were able to get to youths gathered in parks and other hard-to-reach areas and high-visibility patrols were stationed at bus stops to confiscate alcohol before teenagers had the chance to congregate.
Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale said he is pleased with the results.
“This year there has been a dramatic decrease in the numbers at the shorehead area becoming involved in anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“There have been instances but these have been fewer than before.
“Most importantly, there has been a decrease in the number of drunken youths.”
Mr Annandale said the school summer holidays had historically been a problematic period for local policing.
“With an increase in local youths not having to attend school, there is usually a substantial increase in anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol or drugs,” he added.
The fact the opposite scenario has been achieved this year has been put down to proactive work in licensed premises. Police have also targeted people believed to be buying alcohol for underage drinkers.
The introduction of a new education strategy aimed at troublesome teens is also helping.
Anti-social behaviour in Kennoway has also reduced since residents complained a “hardcore” group were causing havoc and making people’s lives a misery.