Police patrols stepped up at playing fields
Police warned youths not to gather in large groups after a number of them flocked to a ‘prearranged’ football match last week.
Youngsters met up at Marr College playing fields in Troon for the event.
It comes as Scotland loosened lockdown restrictions with young people aged 12 to 17 able to meet outdoors in groups of up to four people from four different households.
Outdoor sports were also permitted from Friday, March 12 but only ‘non-contact’ in groups of up to 15 people.
Police were called to a ‘disturbance’ at the football fields next to the secondary school around 2.30pm on Saturday, March 13.
The group were dispersed from the fields which are free for the public to use.
Further calls were made by concerned residents who noticed large groups around the town’s golf courses further into the night.
Extra patrols were drafted in Troon at the weekend to prevent any further issues.
Chief Inspector Brian Anderson, area commander for South Ayrshire, said: “Around 2.30pm on Saturday, March 13, we received a report of an ongoing disturbance involving a group of youths at the Marr
College playing fields in Troon.
“Officers attended and the group quickly dispersed.
“Subsequent calls were received of a number of groups of youths around the town throughout the day and suitable advice was given when required.
“I would urge young people in South Ayrshire to please avoid gathering in large groups and to behave responsibly when out and about.
“I would also encourage parents to reinforce this message with young people.
“Extra patrols have been planned in Troon at the weekend to prevent any further issues.”
I would urge people to please avoid gathering in large groups and to behave responsibly