IT'S 5.20pm on a Friday and already the police are out in force. More than a dozen children as young as 11 surround the mobile police office.
IT'S 5.20pm on a Friday and already the police are out in force. More than a dozen children as young as 11 surround the mobile police office.
The kids' questions come thick and fast: "What's behind that door mister? What's this for? You arrested anyone tonight? Can you arrest ma pal? You ever shot anyone?"
Constable Fred Burke, in charge of the mobile office has the patience of a saint.
He said: "There's a perception that kids don't like the police but at a certain age they like to find out what is going on - they're inquisitive."
Constable Kenny McLeod says that for a lot of the kids, the only men in their life are in jail. "There are no role models so it's important we make ourselves available."
That is just one of the aims of the Days of Action which are held once a month.
Tonight they are focusing on youth disorder, dealing with the troublemakers hanging around drinking and gang fighting.
They also aim to target off-licences, test purchasing to stop traders selling drink to underage kids.
A normal weekend night would see 18 core police and nine community officers covering the areas of Maryhill, Kelvin and Canal But on a Day of Action, like tonight, there are an extra 17 officers on the street.
As darkness falls the police catch their first culprits of the night - two boys aged 15 and 16, downing Buckfast in the street. PCs Colin Scott and Arlene Campbell search the pair and take the drink lying nearby but return to the van without the culprits.
Constable Scott said: "They smelt of alcohol, but there's little we can do. They claimed to have had a beer earlier, and that could easily have been given by their parents.
 Keeping kids occupied |  Checking on shops |  Giving the verdict |  Police confront youths who smell of alcohol ... pointing to nearby Buckfast |  Youngsters enjoy getting an inside view of a police operation at the mobile office |
"They also said the booze was there when they arrived - it's frustrating."
It's a quieter night than usual in Maryhill, with only four arrests - for street drinking and breach of the peace.
Police say it's a sign their increased presence is working.
As our van tours round the area, a police car or two bobbies on the beat can be seen round every corner.
The first arrest of the night comes just before 8pm - a woman outside the Elephant and Bugle, who admits to an all-day bender.
As she is put into the van by two officers, she showers them with colourful language, shouting: "My only crime is buying a pint in a pub."
She changes her story several times before we reach the station and is quickly taken to the cells, where she will spend her weekend.
Community safety sergeant Rosie Wright said: "Unfortunately 24-hour drinking hasn't helped things.
"It's not like the rest of Europe when you think things will slow down because of it. It's a West of Scotland thing - they just use it as an excuse to get smashed for even longer."
The Days of Action are not just about combating the problems but about finding solutions for kids.
In an attempt to steer them away from street drinking, diversionary tactics are put in place, with the most popular a portable football pitch in the Asda car park at Summerston, one of the area's "hotspots".
Around 20 youngsters play tirelessly into the dark hours.
As the van leaves the car park though, it is clear many youths are happier hanging around outside the supermarket, staring down the police.
A van with computer games and a portable disco at John Paul Academy is a flop. News comes over the police radio it has attracted little attention and has been cancelled.
A look of disappointment washes over the officers' faces but they will keep trying to steer the teenagers from drink as well as drugs.
Constable Scott, the Drugs Awareness Officer, says drugs have become cheaper - and a bigger problem.
He said: "Cannabis is pocket money nowadays and it's geared towards people aged 14 to 16.
"But now they're moving up into cocaine - a gram costs £40 and the youngsters all put in a tenner and split it.
"We had a successful raid recently on four houses in the area - the problem is dealers just sell everything they can get their hands on now."
For now, the focus is on underage drinking, with a 16-year-old "plant" going into shops asking for alcohol.
If the assistant asks for ID or refuses them, the shop has passed; otherwise it is a letter to the procurator fiscal.
All the five shops tested pass - another sign extra visibility is succeeding.
Constables Mark Rasdale and Nick Orr tell the shopkeepers and PC Rasdale said: "These shops are learning it's not worth the risk."
Sergeant Wright says most officers believe they should maximise time on the streets.
She added: "When that is achieved we can encourage involvement and restore pride in this community."
Maryhill's Chief Inspector Alan Spiers believes Days of Action are proving a success and that it is only the start of a turnaround in the community.
He said: "We will continue towards our goal of making communities safer."
