Perth’s police chief has urged parents to keep an eye on their children following a spate of anti-social behaviour in the city.
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said his officers were not prepared to tolerate the actions of a group of youths who have been rampaging across the city’s Moncreiffe Island and South Inch.
Mr Scott hit out after allotments at the island were targeted repeatedly by “noisy and rowdy” youngsters in recent weeks.
He revealed police had increased patrols in the area and were working in partnership with the Perth Working Men’s Garden Allotments Association to step up protection at the site.
The latest incidents follow a late night wrecking spree in early December, when hundreds of panes of glass were smashed on greenhouses at the allotments and gates were torn down and burned.
The cost of the damage was put at thousands of pounds.
Mr Scott is appealing for witnesses and is asking parents to be aware of their children’s whereabouts.
“Officers in Perth are still investigating vandalism to the allotments on Moncreiffe Island and subsequent anti-social behaviour in and around the same area,” he said.
“If any person has knowledge or information they should contact the police, as this type of behaviour can’t be tolerated.
“Following the recent incidents of anti-social behaviour both on the South Inch and Moncreiffe Island, parents are asked to be mindful of their children’s movements during evenings at the weekend and remind their children of the consequences of being involved in such behaviour.”
He added: “Local officers work closely with partners, including community wardens and youth workers and continued attention will be paid to this area in the coming weeks.”
Kenny Orrock, 58, president of Perth Working Men’s Garden Allotments, said the previous damage at Moncreiffe Island would cost about £3,000 to put right and slammed the culprits.
“Somebody must know who is responsible,” he said.
The allotments have been a feature on Moncrieffe Island for more than 100 years. Around 80 members of Perth Working Men’s Garden Allotments grow their own fruit, vegetables and flowers there.
They can be reached via the walkway on the rail bridge, off Tay Street, Perth.
Anyone with information on the vandalism should contact the police on 101.
