Perth’s police chief has warned parents of a year-long youth crimewave which has blighted city centre lives.
A letter sent by Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, to the parents of all S3 to S6 pupils, describes incidents of substance and alcohol misuse, vandalism, violence, assaults and disorder in the North and South Inches.
The incidents have led to numerous complaints from local householders.
The senior police officer is appealing to parents to help reduce the level of anti-social behaviour, stating they can play a “pivotal” role in stemming the tide of the crime.
Trouble recently spilled over onto Moncreiffe Island, where vandals smashed 250 panes of glass at greenhouses belonging to members of Perth Working Men’s Garden Allotments. The damage was estimated to have cost around £3,000.
In November, police targeted adults who had been buying alcohol from local shops for underage drinkers after complaints from residents who had witnessed large groups of youths gathering in Perth, particularly on the South Inch.
In his letter, which has been sent to all parents of S3-6 pupils at Perth’s four secondary schools, Mr Scott states a “significant” anti-social problem has developed over the past year in Perth’s North and South Inch parks, with some school children being present or involved.
“Residents in these areas have regularly had to call the police to report incidents of substance misuse, individuals that were intoxicated by alcohol, acts of vandalism, violence, incidents of disorder, assaults and other forms of anti-social behaviour,” he says in the letter.
“Police and council staff recently attended a meeting with residents, where they described the behaviour of these young people as unacceptable.”
Mr Scott states police and council staff “regularly” patrol the parks and arrests have been made.
“If your child is part of these groups and frequenting these areas, then please work with us to reduce the problems,” Mr Scott continued in his letter.
“You can do this by encouraging your children to stay away from these areas and not engage in any form of anti-social behaviour. Parental responsibility is pivotal to working together in partnership for the safety and wellbeing of young people.
“It is important that you use your own influence as a parent in supporting your children to make responsible decisions. For example, we would encourage you to know their whereabouts and expected time of arrival home.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Peter Barrett, who is one of the representatives for the Perth City Centre ward, said: “The problems of vandalism and disturbance have been seriously persistent for more than a year. Efforts have been made by council community wardens and youth services to engage with the young people.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The letter was issued following concerns raised regarding youth misbehaviour in Perth outwith school hours and at weekends.
“We understand there is a small minority of young people who engage in anti-social behaviour and we aim to tackle this by working with parents and in partnership with the police.”
