Strathclyde Police have issued a warning urging people to think twice before buying alcohol for those under 18.

The warning was sparked by a 29 year old male being charged after being caught buying alcohol for youths.

He was reported by plain clothes policemen from Bellshill Police Office following an incident on Jerviston Street in New Stevenston on Saturday 4th February. The man was allegedly purchasing alcohol for a group of young people at a local shop and was seen by the officers prior to handing the alcohol over to the youngsters. He was subsequently charged and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in Hamilton.

Area Inspector Stewart Hurry said:

"The police are on the lookout for any adults who think it is acceptable to purchase alcohol on behalf of young people. It is wholly irresponsible and is placing alcohol in the hands of young people who subsequently cause alarm and distress to members of the public as a result of anti-social behaviour. The levels of disorder and anti-social behaviour are undoubtedly more serious due to the consumption of the alcohol. On this occasion we managed to sieze the alcohol before the youngsters got it and stopped any potential issues later as a result".