Leven shopkeepers say they were plagued by groups of teenagers for years in the lead-up to two separate High Street fires.
Youngsters regularly throw eggs, milkshake and sauce at shop windows and at workers as they leave for the evening.
And plants have been ripped up and shop signs damaged as they run riot in the town centre.
The issue emerged as Leven business people came together on Monday to discuss how to get the High Street back on its feet.
Several businesses will be closed until the burnt-out buildings are either demolished or made safe.
However, as workers pledged to support each other through the tough weeks ahead, they called for action to tackle the troublemakers.
Police have promised extra CCTV and more patrols.
But community inspector Matt Spencer said: “They’re wanting a chase and it can become a futile issue.”
Call for greater police presence on Leven High Street
Jodie McIntosh of The Tattoo Parlour on the High Street said: “We opened three years ago and since day one we’ve been plagued by 14 to 17-year-olds.
“There’s nothing for them to do in the area so they’re causing havoc on the High Street.
“We’ve had McDonald’s sauce lobbed at our windows, milkshakes chucked at us, they steal the plants from our planters and damaged our A-frame advertising board.”
Jodie said the issue was ongoing.
“We pour our heart and soul into this business and we’ve not had a holiday for four years.
“We must work as a community – the High Street will die if we don’t stick together.
“But we need more of a police presence to help us deal with this.”
And Sharon Adair from The Nail and Beauty Studio agreed, adding: “I’m astounded by the amount of kids on the High Street.
“They get up to trouble and I worry for their safety.
“We’ve had plants torn up, eggs chucked at our shops and sauce sachets thrown at us.”
More police action over festive season
Inspector Spencer accepted there were concerns about the number of youths in the area.
And he added: “The Poundstretcher’s fencing has not helped. In fact, it’s made it worse because we have youths who are interested in that as a focal point.
“We’re hoping things like cameras and extra patrols in the lead-up to Christmas will give reassurance.”
Rather than chasing teenagers on the High Street, police have been speaking to them in schools and creating diversionary activities.
Reports of anti-social behaviour have fallen by 80% in Levenmouth in the last few years as a result.
However, Mr Spencer said: “I accept there is still a key issue and it’s frustrating.
“We can only work with the resource we have and we’re trying to do a lot in the background.”
Monday’s meeting followed a devastating fire at Poundstretcher on November 8.
This was followed by a second large blaze at the former Masterton’s jewellers shop on Friday.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the more recent incident and police say there is no evidence to suggest the two fires are linked.
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