Police and Brechin High School have delivered a zero-tolerance message after the burgh became the latest local community to suffer anti-social behaviour at the hands of young thugs.
A spate of unruly behaviour and vandalism has hit Brechin over recent weeks, culminating in incidents involving as many as 40 people at the end of last week – triggering a surge in calls to the Police from concerned residents.
Angus Council leader Bob Myles has branded the behaviour “frankly disgraceful.”
A warning has been distributed by Brechin High School to parents and pupils after local Police Scotland Sergeant Clark Renilson highlighted the worrying events of the last week.
In a message passed on by the school, Mr Renilson said: “Over the past few weeks the police have been receiving reports of youths behaving in an anti-social manner which has included acts of vandalism.
“Behaviour of this type will not be tolerated, and any persons found to be behaving in such a manner will find themselves being reported for their actions, and if they continue to offend, they may well find themselves in police custody, regardless of their age.
“The intimidation of the public in a close knit community by youths whose own families form part of the community will not be tolerated.”
In one incident, the Inch Maintenance and Preservation Society reported bricks had been thrown, damaging equipment in the Inch recreation area before it had even been fitted.
Brechin and Edzell Independent councillor Mr Myles, said: “The actions of these individuals is frankly disgraceful and unacceptable in a town where people take great pride in their community.
“I would ask anyone with information about this to contact the police, or report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers.
“I will be liaising with police, and asking them for regular updates on the situation.”
Brechin and Edzell SNP Councillor Kenny Braes said: “I fully endorse the message from Sergeant Renilson and the action he is going to take.
“I would urge the whole community to get behind him and his officers.
I am in regular contact with Sgt Renilson, and have every confidence in him and his no-nonsense approach to this matter.”
The warning comes as police for a gang of teenagers responsible for an early morning window-smashing attack on a house in Kirriemuir.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “Anti-social behaviour and young people causing annoyance is never acceptable.
“We continue to work closely with the police and our other partners to try to prevent issues of this kind through engagement and diversion methods and to tackle them when they occur.
“We would encourage residents to report any incidents of concern.”
Last month, it was revealed that attacks on schools and public buildings across the county cost the taxpayer more than £140,000 over the past five years.
