POLICE in Renfrewshire are stepping up patrols in a bid to crack down on boozy teens and violent yobs this summer. 

Officers are to step up patrols in Houstoun Square, Johnstone, and Renfrew’s Robertson Park after a special report showed a spike in incidents in both locations in 2018. 

They are teaming up with Renfrewshire Council and staff at Street Stuff in a bid to avoid similar issues this year. 

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Inspector Jim Cast, who is based in Renfrew, told The Gazette the work will be on top of their usual activity. 

He said: “The long summer days and warmer weather naturally lead to more people being out.

The Gazette: Patrols will be ramped up in Robertson Park Patrols will be ramped up in Robertson Park

“When this happens we can anticipate an increase in public space alcohol consumption and in the number of youths congregating which unfortunately can develop into anti-social behaviour and sometimes violence.The Summer Safety Plan will target these areas. 

“I would like to stress this work is on top of our usual activity.”

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The plan will also see council officials clean up graffiti in the two locations and plant fresh flowers to brighten them up. 

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