UV pen used to trace where underage drinkers buy alcohol

Police in a Dumfries and Galloway town hope to tackle underage drinking by marking bottles of alcohol sold in shops with an invisible marker.

Alcohol later confiscated from youths will then be checked using an ultraviolet light to trace the shop it was bought from and who supplied it.

Officers in Stranraer said the bottle-marking scheme was needed following a rise in alcohol-related anti-social and criminal behaviour involving both teenage boys and girls.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Every weekend police continue to seize alcohol from youths. This is followed up by home visits and referrals to partner agencies.

“The type of alcohol that is being seized contains high alcohol content that can cause serious health issues both in the short and long-term for young people.

“Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults, and are more likely to be a victim of crime when they are under the influence of alcohol.”

Community officers are now working closely with shopkeepers and local authority licensing officers, focusing on those who are buying the alcohol for the youths.

Proxy purchasing often involves random members of the public, however it can also involve parents or guardians. Proxy purchasing is a criminal offence.

Police posted a picture on Facebook of alcohol seized from underagers in the town on Saturday night.

The haul included bottles of MD 20/20, Buckfast and a can of Dragon Soop.

The force spokesperson added: “Do you know where your children are going and what they are up to?

“Help us to keep your children and the community safe.”