Vandalism figures rise in area
Sarah Jane McDonald Rampant vandals have turned South Ayrshire into a hotbed of destruction with over 1000 incidents in the last year.
New national statistics show vandalism is on the rise with defaced signs, smashed windows and spray painted monuments as just some of the targets for troublemakers ravaging the town.
The latest crime and offence statistics tipped 1045 incidents struck South Ayrshire between 20152016, 130 more than the previous year.
And hooligans wrecking both public and private property increased by four per cent across Scotland year on year to 54,226.
Police Community Inspector for South Ayrshire James Hendrie said: “In South Ayrshire we work closely with our partners to educate young people to try to reduce this type of behaviour.
“Whilst it is always disappointing when there is any increase in reported incidents, the public can be confident that Police Scotland will continue to thoroughly investigate these crimes and where offenders are identified they will be dealt with appropriately.”
Earlier this year, the Post reported wreckage caused by trouble makers going on a graffiti spree through Fort Street, Wellington Square, the Sandgate, Mill Street, Burns Statue Square, Castlehill Road and Dongola Road- armed with a can of spray paint.
And they plastered the town centre with over 85 tags in a matter of hours, racking up a repair bill of around £ 4000.
South Ayrshire Council’s head of housing and facilities, David Burns said: “Overall crime rates have dropped by 35 per cent in South Ayrshire in the last 10 years, which is something that will be welcomed by people in every community.
“Our property maintenance team manage incidents at publicly owned buildings as and when required and we would urge anyone who sees vandalism in public spaces to report it, with repair work prioritised as appropriate.”
Ayrshire senior officer at Scottish Fire and Rescue, Jim Scott added: “This reckless, criminal behaviour risks not only the lives of those responsible but also the lives of people throughout our community.”