A major police operation was mounted on Friday at Links Market.
The Courier was given exclusive access to what is usually Police Scotland’s most challenging day during Kirkcaldy’s 700-year-old street fair.
A 20-strong team of officers was deployed within the market and surrounding streets to tackle the threat of anti-social behaviour during the evenings.
In recent years, Friday nights at the famous Links Market – Europe’s longest street fair – have been plagued with instances of gang-related disorder.
Police were on heightened alert with trained spotters on the lookout for known offenders.
Links Market police operation
Intelligence gathered in the lead up to the market’s arrival revealed rival teenage gangs were planning to meet up to fight.
Officers were also keen to trace any individuals who may have been involved in the recent gang-related incident in neighbouring Kinghorn.
Earlier this month, a mob of 20-30 youths aged between 13 and 17 attacked four boys, leaving them with serious injuries, including stab wounds, a broken arm, and a broken nose.
A 16-year-old boy has since been charged in connection with the incident as the investigation continues.
Officers drafted in from across Fife gathered at Kirkcaldy police station at 4pm on Friday to be briefed by Inspector Mark Beveridge, head of the operation.
A visible police presence was to be maintained throughout the evening, with officers expected to engage with revellers but take a firm and robust approach to anti-social behaviour.
Soon after, two-officer teams, headed by Sergeants Alan Muir and Ross Menzies, hit the Lang Toun streets.
A combined approach of foot patrols and police vehicle reconnaissance was the order of the evening.
CCTV coverage at Links Market
One of the key aspects of the night’s operation was the Multi-Agency Control Centre (MAC) operating from the Town House.
Manned by police along with representatives from Lochgelly-based event specialists, Fife Medical Group, Fife Council’s community protection team, the Showman’s Guild, and the guild’s own on-site security, the set-up acted as the main command hub for the evening.
From here, a bank of screens relaying CCTV images of the entire market and approach roads would allow police to act immediately to any potential disorder issues.
Using his CCTV expertise, Community Constable Stuart Horne was able to constantly update officers on the ground about any issues or concerns.
While footfall was visibly down on previous years, mainly due to the poor weather, officers had to remain focused for any potential trouble.
History of gang violence in recent years
Early on in the evening, a youth was stopped after being found to be carrying a ‘pyramid ring’ – a potentially lethal heavy metal-pointed piece of jewellery that has been found on a number of youths involved in recent disorder.
Inspector Beveridge said the rings have become a growing problem with the potential for “catastrophic injuries” if used to strike someone.
“The rings are a recent phenomenon and a current fashion, and we have seen instances of multiple youths wearing these,” he said.
“They are freely available to buy on the internet and are difficult to spot, but could, if used as a weapon, potentially cause catastrophic injuries.”
Also, during the evening, officers spotted a known individual linked with previous disorder incidents.
The 16-year-old youth was apprehended by officers and eventually returned home.
Soon a gathering of dark-clothed and hooded youths were spotted acting suspiciously on a side road.
Officers were immediately called to investigate, and the group dispersed.
It was later discovered that a number of wooden pallets from a nearby garage had been broken into makeshift weapons.
The timber batons had been stashed behind a skip, potentially to be recovered in the event of a fight breaking out.
An added visible officer presence was organised in that vicinity for the remainder of the evening.
Successful police operation
For Inspector Beveridge it was a successful operation despite the deluge of rain.
“It’s a privilege to work at the Links Market,” he said.
He added: “Being Kirkcaldy born and bred, I have attended almost every year since I was a child and have always felt it was a safe and fun place to be.
“This week, I have had the opportunity to work with police colleagues and partners to maintain that sense of safety and fun for those in attendance.”
- The Courier was also there on the opening day of Links Market to capture some of the best images of the famous street fair.
Conversation