Perthshire youngsters terrorise communities

CRIME: Gangs with children as young as 11 cause chaos during October holidays

Gangs of youths have created a mini crimewave in communities across Perth and Kinross since the start of the October school holidays.

Police have released details of a spike in antisocial behaviour carried out by youngsters – some as young as 11 – with worrying incidents in Perth, Crieff, Methven and Invergowrie.

The catalogue of crime includes youths rampaging over elderly residents’ gardens, throwing stones at house windows, breaking into a building site, setting off school alarms and throwing eggs at properties.

In one of the most serious incidents, a 13-yearold was charged after allegedly stealing a dumper truck from a building site in Perth.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott pleaded with parents to monitor their children’s behaviour.

Villages and towns across Perth and Kinross have been hit by a school holiday crimewave.

Criminal acts have been carried out by gangs of youngsters who have been terrorising communities across the area since the October break began.

Police have highlighted 10 particular incidents but many more may have gone unreported.

In one of the most serious incidents, a teenager was charged by the police following the theft of a dumper truck from a building site.

Other acts include six boys rampaging through elderly residents’ gardens, teenagers smashing bottles, setting off a school alarm and throwing stones at houses.

The alarming incidents took place in Perth, Methven, Crieff and Invergowrie.

Police have asked parents to make sure they are aware of what their children are doing and have vowed to clamp down on the teenage criminality.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area police commander for Perth and Kinross, said: “I’m asking parents to please ensure their children show some respect for others and to prevent this anti-social behaviour from continuing,” he said.

“We are highlighting a rise in anti-social behaviour across Perth and Kinross and we are urging parents to work with us to help reduce these incidents by speaking with their children and being aware of what they are up to.”

Incidents dealt with by police include: A 13-year-old boy being charged by police after allegedly stealing a dumper truck from a building site on Argyll Road, Perth;

Six 11-year-old boys rampaging through gardens belonging to elderly residents in Carrington Terrace, Crieff, on Monday;

Eight teenage boys knocking over bins and throwing stones at houses in Oakbank Road, Perth, on Monday;

The alarm being set off at North Muirton Primary School, Perth, by youths on Monday;

Two 14-year-old girls throwing stones at a house window in Sauchob Place, Methven, on Monday;

A group of teenagers throwing eggs at houses in Moredun Terrace, Perth, on Tuesday.

I’m asking parents to please ensure their children show some respect for others and to prevent this anti-social behaviour from continuing. CHIEF INSPECTOR IAN SCOTT