Police increase patrols to tackle 'issues' with young people in Perth's Western Edge Park

Police Scotland has increased its patrols to tackle a growing issue with youths gathering at Perth’s Western Edge Park.

Residents have reported young people gathering in large numbers, drinking and causing a menace by stopping cars and throwing stones and glass bottles at houses.

A local councillor said while many sympathise with youngsters wanting to have somewhere to meet, they want them to do so without causing a disturbance or risk to public safety.

The matter came to a head over Easter weekend with one resident describing it as having “reached a different level” and “gone beyond ‘just kids having some fun’”.

The local resident said: “The problem is that they are now threatening and intimidating good honest folk just out walking home or walking their dogs.

“They’re blocking the roads, flagging down cars to do silly little things for some attention, causing some to have to swerve or brake suddenly.

“They are chucking things from branches, plastic and glass bottles to large stones at people’s homes and windows, causing damage and leaving broken glass where children and pets play, not just in the park but in our own gardens.”

Another resident said the issue had been going on for a while with the group increasing in size each Saturday.

He said: “This has been going on every Saturday for some time and the numbers grow every week.

“Inevitably someone is going to be hurt whether among the children involved or innocent members of the public.

“The council byelaws prohibit the consumption of alcohol in the park and there are notices posted to that effect.

“The police and presumably the authorities are aware of this growing problem and ought to be taking appropriate action. Parents of the children likewise cannot absolve themselves of responsibility.”

Perth City South councillor Liz Barrett has contacted Perth and Kinross Council’s Safer Communities team about the issue and encouraged residents – who are still concerned – to do the same.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “I know a lot of residents have sympathy with the young people and that they have to go somewhere but it’s a safety issue.

“The Safer Communities wardens and the police are aware and have increased patrols in the area, so I hope that is helping.

“If residents have concerns, I’d urge them to contact the Safer Communities team by emailing SCT@pkc.gov.uk or phoning 01738 476173. (Messages are picked up until 10pm.)”

Inspector Stephen Gray confirmed police officers were working alongside partners to deal with the issue and urged residents to report incidents to the police by phoning 101.

Insp Gray said: “The local policing team have been working with partners and carrying out high visibility patrols to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour around Western Edge Park in Perth.

“We are aware of the adverse impact that anti-social behaviour has on residents and local businesses, and we will continue to respond to any behaviour of this nature that is reported, and we would urge people to report incidents to us through 101.”