Angus’s top police officer has made a rallying cry on vandalism, following a 19% increase in the county.
Newly-appointed Chief Superintendent Kevin Lynch made the call for public support after it was revealed the area has suffered a significant increase in incidents over the last two months.
In July and August this year there were 237 reported acts of vandalism, compared with 199 over the same period last year. Those included large rises in the Arbroath, Carnoustie and Monifieth areas.
While some burghs have seen a slight fall, the growing trend has caused enough concern to provoke an appeal for community help from the incoming police boss.
“The amount of vandalism being experienced in local communities in some of our towns is simply unacceptable,” said Mr Lynch. “This kind of behaviour is hard for people to bear in any circumstances, but particularly when people have to endure what are challenging economic times.
“It is of great concern to me and these vandals need to realise that it is local people who are directly suffering as a result of their behaviour.
“Vandalism is a mindless act. It causes heartbreak within our communities and affects us all collectively whether we work, live or visit Angus.
“It is impossible to understand why anyone could mindlessly break a window, kick off a wing mirror, or walk on the bonnet of a car. It causes deep upset to owners and bewilderment to many.
“Vandalism to people’s property strikes at the heart of our communities, harms people’s sense of community safety and impacts upon the appearance of our towns and villages, not just for residents but also in respect of visitors to the area.”PartnershipMr Lynch called for the residents of Angus to adopt a partnership approach with the police. He also pledged that high-visibility foot patrols will be carried out in all towns across the county, with officers asked to engage residents and young people to address the issue.
“We will continue to carry out Dry Up patrols and be seen in and around licensed premises at the relevant times,” said Mr Lynch. “Our CCTV staff will also seek to maximise opportunities in terms of intelligence gathering and crime detection.”
The police chief claimed anyone caught carrying out an act of vandalism will be dealt with “robustly” and assured residents that his staff will seek the assistance of outside agencies wherever necessary.
He said: “I want Angus residents to take a stand with us. Please engage with local officers and provide them with any information about such criminality.
“It is time that we and I mean all of us in Angus seek to change the mindset of people. By doing so, those who seem intent on carrying out acts of vandalism will feel the full force of the legal system, but more importantly they will soon come to understand that their behaviour is totally unacceptable.”
Mr Lynch added: “I am seeking to increase police visibility in our communities and for our officers to not only be seen, but to actively engage with all members of the public. I’m very proud to have been appointed as divisional commander for Eastern Division as Angus is a safe place in which to live and work and Tayside Police enjoys strong relationships with community partners and the public.”