EXTRA officers have been deployed in the Broomlands and Bourtreehill area of Irvine over the weekend in response to concerns over antisocial behaviour.
Police have also urged Irvine residents to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing when they are out.
Officers from Police Scotland’s Mounted Branch joined officers on foot, vehicle and cycle patrols in the area to engage with residents and tackle issues of concern.
This is in response to a rise in antisocial behaviour in the Broomlands and Bourtreehill area of town, including incidents of vandalism, theft of wheelie bins, fires, underage drinking and arrests over alleged drugs offences.
This also follows an assault on a pensioner in the area over the holidays.
On Christmas Eve a 65-year-old man was walking his dog in Bourtreehill Park when two males approached him asking to borrow his torch.
When the man refused to hand it over he was pushed to the ground and punched and kicked before the suspects made off.
Constable Colin Johnson, of the Irvine Locality Policing Team, said: “We have recently seen an increase in reported incidents of antisocial behaviour, vandalism, thefts of wheelie bins and associated fires in the Bourtreehill area.
“Additional officers have been deployed in the area this weekend and these patrols will continue as will our work with partners, including the North Ayrshire Council Antisocial Behaviour Team, to take action against those involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.
“We have seized quantities of alcohol from underage young people and will continue to work with our partners to tackle the supply of alcohol to young people.
“We will be writing to the parents and carers of young people involved in antisocial behaviour, or present when alcohol has been seized - it is important that they are aware of where their children are and what is taking place when they are out.”
Constable Johnson added: “We are committed to working with communities to tackle issues of local concern - the first step is for anyone with any concerns or anyone witnessing an incident to call us. If you see it report it.
“The reporting of incidents enables us to build an accurate picture of what is taking place in the area.”
In response to residents concerns of antisocial behaviour and young people loitering in the Broomlands and Bourtreehill area Police Scotland’s Ayrshire Division said: “Young people are part of the community and often gather in groups, unaware that their presence can be intimidating to others.
“We are appealing to the majority of young people in the area who recognise how the antisocial behaviour and actions of a minority is impacting on the community to send a clear message to their peers that this won’t be tolerated.
“Parents and carers are also asked to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are getting up to when they are out and about.
Residents are encouraged to report any incidents by calling 999 or 101 in a non-emergency.
HAVE you witnessed or been a victim of anti-social behaviour in the area? Call us on 01294 464321.