Patrols will be stepped up to beat vandalism

POLICE are stepping up patrols in Broughty Ferry after a spate of vandalism.

Residents have complained about wheelie bins being set on fire and damages to playparks in the area.

The latest incident, discovered at Lawers Drive playpark, is believed to have occurred several days ago and has resulted in it being closed by contractors Greenbelt Energy Ltd.

Residents reported this to Ferry councillor Craig Duncan who noted the damage to the soft play surface. He said the swings had been removed and the park closed on safety grounds.

Having raised their concerns, Mr Duncan has received assurances from officers that there will be a greater police presence to tackle the problem.

This is not the first time Lawers Park has been vandalised.

Other incidents reported include a wheelie bin being set alight and left to burn out at Orchar Park, off Monifieth Road.

The incident happened two weeks after a planter on the corner of Aberdour Place was deliberately set on fire.

While police have pledged to increase patrols in the Ferry, Mr Duncan has also urged residents to notify him of any incidents.

He said: “There’s been quite a bit of vandalism going on in the Ferry recently. It was reported to me and I passed it on to council officers and to the local police.

“The planter at Aberdour Place was set on fire but fortunately the local Co-op donated a new one.

“Damage was also done at the playpark at Aberdour Place.

“I’ve been told that there will be more of a police presence and the community wardens will also be out in these areas, which is positive.”

Mr Duncan reported concerns to Inspector Christopher Boath and hopes the sight of more officers will be enough to deter further vandalism.

He added: “I’d encourage anyone with any concerns to flag it up to myself, the council or the police and hopefully we can see a reduction of this.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are aware of concerns regarding vandalism in Broughty Ferry and the upset this causes within a community.

“This will not be tolerated. Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area and anyone with information or concerns regarding antisocial behaviour should call Police Scotland on 101.”