HUNDREDS of people have been fined after being caught by police urinating in the street around Celtic and Rangers football stadiums.

More than 400 people have been stopped for the offence near Ibrox and Parkhead in the last five years.

There has been a 95% increase in the number of people caught in four streets near the Rangers ground in the past year. Over the whole five-year period, a total of 165 tickets for £60 were issued to people caught relieving themselves near Ibrox.

Streets around Celtic Park have also been affected, with 255 caught in Parkhead streets over the same period.

Superintendent Thom McLoughlin believes the tactic of hammering "minor ­offending" is keeping people in Glasgow safe. He said: "Offences like public urination and street-drinking need to be nipped in the bud early doors. I can guarantee those who are stopped for these offences would be the same people who will be ­involved in violent crime later on in the night.

"Early intervention really is key to making a difference. A £60 fine can sting, but it's better than a jail sentence."