Parents in Glenrothes are being urged to speak to their children as police in the town launch a new clampdown on antisocial behaviour.
Sergeant Kenny Greig has said the first many parents hear of their children being involved in illegal activity is when they are taken into custody.
He was speaking at the launch of an initiative that will see more plain-clothes and community officers deployed in so-called “hotspots” in the Warout and Woodside areas of the town.
Mr Greig said: “I want all adults with responsibility for young people to become more involved in their own community by knowing where your child is at night and asking who are they meeting and are they in a safe environment?
“A common theme when youngsters are taken home to their parents or are put into custody is firstly shock that their child is involved and secondly they didn’t actually know where their child was going for the evening.
“Whenever your child is heading out for the evening, find out where they are going, who they will be with and when they are coming home.”
Antisocial behaviour, particularly involving younger people, has been prevalent in Glenrothes for many years.
This new action plan is to be introduced immediately following input from residents concerned about recent activity in Warout and Woodside, with people believed to be involved in illegal activity to be subject to stop and search procedures.
Mr Greig added: “Antisocial behaviour can have a significant detrimental effect on the quality of life for residents.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”