The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Police step up patrols in town after reports of anti-social behaviour
DUNFERMLINE: Warning as revellers leave debris strewn around woodland
Police have warned that anti-social behaviour will be “robustly dealt with” after revellers left debris strewn around a Fife woodland.
A gazebo, seats, empty bottles and other rubbish was left behind after an apparent party at Calais Woods in Dunfermline.
Police Scotland said community officers would be patrolling the area as a result.
Officers have been working in areas across Dunfermline, including Townhill and Wellwood, following reports of antisocial behaviour.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and will be robustly dealt with.
“If you come across groups in parks or woods engaged in anti-social behaviour please contact police.
“Never engage the group directly. The situation can escalate and individuals
“It’s escalated recently but it has been going on for several years. It’s got worse recently with lockdown. There have been several fires and a lot more litter. MARTIN WILLCOCKS
may be under the influence of alcohol or other substances.”
Local volunteers helped to clear up the mess at Calais Woods at the weekend.
Martin Willcocks from the Calais Woods Conservation Group, who was involved in the clean-up, said the area had always been blighted by people drinking and starting fires, but added the problem had got worse, despite lockdown.
“It’s escalated recently but it has been going on for several years. It’s got worse recently with lockdown. There have been several fires and a lot more litter.”
He said although the woods are “a great place to go” for outdoor recreation, he avoids them in the evenings.
The conservation group campaigns to preserve the grasslands around the wood in an area which has seen rapid development in recent years.
Mr Willcock added extensive housebuilding around the woods had made them more accessible, which he believes has contributed to a rise in criminal behaviour.
Shirley-anne Somerville, SNP MSP for Dunfermline and West Fife, said: “I was dismayed by the scenes from Calais Muir Wood this weekend, which was left in a terrible state. It is pure selfishness to leave rubbish lying around for someone else to sort out.”