Officers continue tackle anti-social behaviour in East Ayrshire

Police Scotland has received numerous calls in over the last few weeks in relation to the anti-social behaviour of off road motor vehicles across East Ayrshire.

In a continued effort to tackle this issue, officers carried out a joint weekend of action involving local officers, along with trail bike and quad bike patrols.  Offences detected included drinking in public, drug offences and road traffic offences.

Inspector Catherine Glass of Kilmarnock Police Station said :

“Members of the public reported trail bike and quad bike nuisance in the areas of East Ayrshire recently.

“We know that tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for our local communities and through consultation with East Ayrshire Council and engagement with elected members we carried out a weekend of action.

“Our colleagues from Glasgow carried out patrols on trail bikes in an effort to detect those responsible for using quad bikes, motorbikes, scramblers in an illegally or in an anti-social manner. They were also assisted by officers from Ayrshire on quad bikes.  This method of patrolling was vital in disrupting the annoyance this causes for others.  A 22-year-old male will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for road traffic offences involving an off road bike which happened in Loreny Drive, Kilmarnock.

“We seized a quantity of alcohol from the area of Dean Park.  A 46-year-old man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and three others were given recorded police warnings for drinking in public.  A 23-year-old man was given a recorded police warning for drugs offences.

“I would like to say that the vast majority of youths do not become involved in crime, or anti-social behaviour, but instead channel their energies into worthwhile and fulfilling pursuits and interests. All parents and guardians have a responsibility for their children and I would like to pay thanks to them, along with the local authority education department in joint effort in tackling these issues.

“I would ask for the continued support of the public and ask residents to contact the police straight away if they see or hear an incident, any suspicious activity or any anti-social behaviour where they live, so appropriate action can be taken.

‘‘Anyone with any concerns can contact Police Scotland or speak to their local officers.’’

Bob McCulloch, interim Head of Housing and Communities praised the partnership working as part of the weekend of action.

He said: “It’s regrettable that we are seeing an increase in anti-social behaviour in some pockets of our communities, but we are grateful for the additional support from colleagues in Police Scotland as we take steps to tackle this issue.

“Our teams within Vibrant Communities continue to reach out to and engage with young people in these known hot spots and to encourage them to participate in some of the diversionary activities we have on offer.

“By working together in this way, we will encourage and maintain public safety in the communities of East Ayrshire.”