Police make booze plea to parents

Jun 24 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A COMMUNITY police sergeant has appealed to parents to act to stop their children drinking alcohol.

Sergeant Roddy Swan, who oversees the Dunblane sub area command, says that youngsters drinking can have “tragic circumstances”.

He has also directly asked parents and guardians to play a part in reporting where children are buying alcohol.

Sgt Swan said: “Firstly, it is definitely worth mentioning that, a very high proportion of the youths engaged on our Anti Social Behaviour patrols (ASBITs) are of good humour and present no adverse issue.

“Like our own younger days, they are merely congregating in high numbers, whereby the crowd perception can instigate a fear amongst the community. As and when this is explained, most youngsters understand this and move on.”

But he said there some who can cause fear because of their alcohol- fuelled behaviour.

He said the police and other agencies are always acting to combat this, but admitted “there is a genuine need for parental assistance”.

He added: “I am asking parents to consider the following points as and when appropriate:

1. Where is my child tonight and what negative influence can he/she become exposed to?

2. Can I satisfy myself that I can easily contact my child and can he/she contact me in an emergency?

3. Who is he/she with and where are they?

4. If they return home under the influence of alcohol, how and where did they get it and what can I do to prevent a recurrence of his/her state.

“I believe I do not need to point out further the dangers of excessive alcohol intake, therefore I am asking parents and guardians, who find themselves regularly having to deal with a drunk youngster to consider the above points.

“If they want to break the cycle, whilst also making a positive difference to their communities, I would urge parents to raise the perils of alcohol misuse and where possible, provide relevant details to the police of where the alcohol was bought.’’