YOUTH HOSTILE
Owners release CCTV in the hunt for four yobs who trashed hostel
POLICE are hunting four yobs who trashed accommodation at a beauty spot during a bizarre two-hour rampage.
The owners of The Attic, a hostel close to the West Highland Way in Blanefield, Stirlingshire, shared CCTV i mage s yesterday of the men believed to be responsible for wrecking a dormitory at the weekend.
Mattresses were strewn around the room and items were smashed on the floor, while a smoke alarm was also damaged – putting other guests at risk.
Owner Karen Bissland told the Record of her devastation at finding the chaos after the men spent just two hours in the room on Saturday night and left without paying.
She said: “They smashed a coat rack and pictures and covered the room in shower gel and toothpaste. Yet nobody heard a thing. It was totally bizarre.
“There were seven children staying with us on Saturday and they disabled the smoke alarm in the room putting everyone at risk. That’s criminal.”
The men checked in at 4pm on Saturday and went out before returning to the room at 9pm with a carrier bag.
They spent just two hours in the room before leaving at about 11pm, when they were again captured on CCTV.
Karen said: “They were a walk-in and didn’t book in advance. They said they had been working in the area and didn’t fancy driving home. We showed them the room and they said they were really happy with it.
“The strange thing was I met them and they seemed lovely. The cafe staff said the same thing. They sat and chatted to some of the guests too.”
Karen has passed all of the images to police.
Last night, a police spokeswoman said: “An investigation is under way following a report of a vandalism at Edenmill Farm, Blanefield.
“The matter was reported to police on Sunday, September 27, and inquiries are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, friends of the business blasted the vandalism on social media. One pal said: “That’s disgusting. Please let us know if you find the culprits.”
Another said: “Scumbags. Doesn’t get much lower. What can they possibly get out of doing this kind of thing?”