Wednesday November 4th 2026
Police Scotland
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Children are stealing alcohol from shops rather than asking adults to buy it for them in an emerging trend, police told Midlothian licensing chiefs this week.
Speaking about Police Scotland campaign *It’ll Cost You* which targets grown ups who purchase booze for youngsters, Police Constable Lee Wilson, said youngsters were now bypassing the adults.
He told a meeting of Midlothian Licensing Board: “We are looking at the emerging trend that we are seeing of actually children just simply stealing alcohol now as opposed to asking adults to buy it for them.
“That is something in Midlothian and across Scotland that we are seeing as becoming a trend now as well.”
PC Wilson was presenting the annual chief constable’s report to the licensing board which revealed violent crimes recorded across Midlothian were up by ten per cent over the last year including five attempted murders.
And he updated the board on Police Scotland’s ‘That Guy’ campaign launched after the report was put together which aims to reduce violence against women and girls.
He said: “Although not directly linked we believe our licensed premises can contribute towards this. The campaign encourages men to be everyday role models both to peers and to boys to prevent the attitudes and behaviours that can lead to harassment, assault and rape.
“Young men and boys are growing up now where attitudes to women are shaped by what they see online including messages about masculinity and how women should be treated.
“This campaign offers a narrative based on respect, positive role modelling and health relationships.
“It is not about men being perfect, it is about standards set in everyday behaviour, the way they speak about women, the conversations they have with friends and whether they are prepared to challenge disrespectful or harmful behaviour.”
Licensing board chairperson Councillor Colin Cassidy described the report, which was presented to members for noting as “quite disturbing”.
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