Hamilton cops will target drunken festive trouble-makers

Dec 4 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE in Hamilton have vowed to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder during this festive period.

Extra high-visibility police patrols will be introduced as part of the Safer South Lanarkshire campaign.

Officers will also crack down on irresponsible drinking with visits to licensed premises and by targeting drink-drivers and disorder ‘hot spots.’

Chief Superintendent Tim Love, Divisional Commander of South Lanarkshire, said: “The festive season is traditionally a time for celebration and alongside our partner agencies, we want to create an environment that allows our residents and visitors to feel safe and assured within the community.

“We will be focusing on the issues that matter most to local communities. A big part of that will be cracking down on irresponsible drinking by carrying out joint visits to licensed premises and undertaking test purchase operations to prevent alcohol getting into the wrong hands.”

Lanarkshire Drug Action team will be working alongside the police and other partner agencies during the campaign.