As the weather improves children and young adults are starting to gather in larger numbers, especially at weekends, drinking alcohol and often engaging in disorder, violence and anti social behaviour.

Before the advent of mobile phones and social media, children tended to congregate in small groups, usually with friends. Parents knew where their children were and who they were with.

Many children now tend to gather in larger groups sometimes 30 to 40 in number. They rarely know everyone in the group and it only takes a couple of people to persuade the group to make bad decisions.

CHILDREN AFFECTED BY ALCOHOL TAKE GREATER RISKS

“Showing off” and “carrying on” can quickly escalate into dangerous or even life threatening behaviour especially when alcohol is involved. Our experience shows that children in large groups can be exposed to bullying, violence, alcohol con- sumption, drug taking, self harm and even sexual assault.

Your local problem solving teams deal regularly with such incidents in your area Could this be your daughter tonight? and need your help to keep your children safe this summer.

DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE WHERE YOUR CHILD IS AND WHO THEY ARE HANGING ABOUT WITH?

Make arrangements with you child to “check in” on a regular basis.

Make a point of speaking to them when they come home to ensure they are not under the influence and haven’t been exposed to harm.

If your child is staying with a friend overnight, confirm with the parents that they have arrived safely. Children can be exposed to violence SUPPLYING ALCOHOL TO CHILDREN IS DANGEROUS AND IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE

Children usually obtain alcohol from older teenagers or ask adult strangers to buy it on their behalf. It has increasingly become evident though that some parents are also supplying their children with alcohol and “dropping them off to have fun” with their pals (this is never near to their home address). REMEMBER: Supplying alcohol to children is a criminal offence. Please help us to keep your child safe this summer. Further advice and information can be obtained online from the Police website at www.scotland.police.uk or from your local police office. Working together to achieve the best with the people of East Police will visit the below hot spot areas on a regular basis

MILNGAVIE / / Bearsden Ski Club McDonalds—Kirkintilloch

McDonalds, Bearsden The Bing Allander Sports Centre Merkland Nature Reserve West of Scotland Rugby Club Merkland Football Pitches Douglasmuir Quarry Lenzie Moss Reservoir, Quarry & Treatment Centre Tunnel of Love / viaduct School playgrounds Millersneuk Primary School Milngavie Library Millersneuk area, Lenzie Broomhill—Old Hospital Site / CAMPSIE

Stanley Park Railway Line Canal near to Bridge / Marley Tiles

Cycle Paths Scott Ave Park

Keep safe around water It doesn't matter how strong a swimmer you are, there are several dangers that could be encoun- tered by swimming in reservoirs, Canals and Quar- ries.

It can be deep and there are often sudden drops which you cannot see. There may be hidden cur- rents or obstacles below the surface. These places are often difficult to reach by vehicle. No matter how quickly you call for help it can be too late to help anyone in trouble. It may be difficult to get out.

There might be blue green algae in the water it might not be visible but can produce toxins that cause skin rashes and stomach upsets.

It is always very cold. It can make your arms and legs numb which means you can't control them and can't swim. It can lead to hypothermia - serious Follow us on Twitter : @ EastDunbPolice reduction in your body temperature - which can cause heart failure

Working together to achieve the best with the people of