Blitz on youth disorder hotspots
Police have vowed to target well-known ‘hotspots’ of youth disorder over the Easter holidays.
The current spring break has seen a rise in incidents of youth disorder and anti-social behaviour - with an increase of underage drinking and vandalism being reported to officers.
South Ayrshire campus and locality officers joined forces with partners from South Ayrshire Council Thriving Communities (SAC) in a bid to tackle concerning behaviour.
Mobile and foot patrols have been focusing on key problem areas in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.
It is understood that Prestwick’s Boydfield Gardens has seen a spate of vandalism with plants being destroyed and worried locals near Ayr Academy have noticed a rise in youth disorder.
Troon’s Fullarton Woods are also being patrolled to deal with a trend of underage drinking.
Sergant Clare Walker, local authority liaison for South Ayrshire, said: “During school holidays, we tend to see an increase of reports of anti-social behaviour in our local communities. We recognise that this can be a cause of concern for local people which is why we have had additional patrols in the areas.
“Our campus officers, who already have existing relationships with our young people, work alongside divisional officers engaging with young people in an effort to divert them away from antisocial behaviour.”
Joint patrols are being carried out at peak times to identify and engage with youths in the community in an effort to divert them away from engaging in anti-social behaviour.
A new three-day programme for youths aged between 13 and 16 with an interest in football is being launched this week.
The programme, run by the campus officers, will involve partners from SAC Thriving Communities, Active Schools and PS Football Information Point.
Sgt Walker added: “We all want to play an active role in helping our young people and this week a special three-day programme, Pitchin’ In, is being launched for those with an interest in football.
“This initiative highlights teambuilding, relationship building, confidence and trust.”