Villages and towns across Perth and Kinross have been hit by a school holiday crime wave.
Criminal acts have been carried out by gangs of youngsters who have been terrorising communities across the area since the October break began.
Police have highlighted 10 particular incidents but many more may have gone unreported.
In one of the most serious incidents, a teenager was charged by the police following the theft of a dumper truck from a building site.
Other acts include six boys rampaging over elderly residents’ gardens, teenagers smashing bottles, setting off a school alarm and throwing stones at houses.
Gangs of youths were also responsible for knocking over bins, banging on doors and throwing eggs at houses.
The alarming incidents took place in Perth, Methven, Crieff and Invergowrie.
Police have asked childrens’ parents to make sure they are aware of what youngsters are doing and have vowed to clamp down on the teenage criminality.
On Wednesday, Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area police commander for Perth and Kinross, urged parents to ensure they know what their children are doing, where they are going and who they are with.
“I’m asking parents to please ensure their children show some respect for others and to prevent this anti-social behaviour from continuing,” he said.
“We are highlighting a rise in anti-social behaviour across Perth and Kinross and we are urging parents to work with us to help reduce these incidents by speaking with their children and being aware of what they are up to.”
The crime wave consists of:
- A 13-year-old boy being charged by police after allegedly stealing a dumper truck from a building site in Argyll Road, Perth.
- Six 11-year-old boys rampaging through gardens belonging to elderly residents in Carrington Terrace, Crieff, on October 9.
- Eight teenage boys knocking over bins and throwing stones at houses in Oakbank Road, Perth, on October 9.
- Four teenage boys smashing bottles in Crieff Road, Perth, on October 9.
- The alarm being set off at North Muirton Primary School, Perth, by youths on October 9.
- A group of teenage boys and girls being spoken to by police after a complaint was made that they were making a noise and disturbing residents at Pomarium Flats, Perth, on October 9.
- Two 14-year-old girls throwing stones at a house window in Sauchob Place, Methven, on October 9.
- Two teenage boys spotted within a building site at Invergowrie Primary School on October 10.
- A group of teenagers throwing eggs at houses in Moredun Terrace, Perth, on October 10.
- Two teenagers knocked over bins and banged on doors in Rannoch Road, Perth, on October 11.
