PARENTS have expressed concern over antisocial behaviour following another weekend of ‘riotous teens’ around Ardrossan.

The Herald reported just before Christmas that an ‘all out riot’ took place with large groups of up to 100 teens terrorising Elm Park, Parkhouse Road and St Margarets Road.

Members of the community have now reported another incident in the area where houses were pelted with stones.

One mum told of how she was terrified for her young children, two of whom are on the autistic spectrum, after their home was targeted by yobs on Tuesday, December 27. 

She told the Herald: “I was very scared and very frightened. There were about 15 of them. They were pretending to fire guns at the windows and throwing stones at them. 

“It’s worrying because you think next time it could be a brick. This has been ongoing. I’m worried that it’s going to get of hand, that someone is going to get hurt or something damaged for something to be done about it.

“My kids were petrified because they didn’t understand why they were doing it. It’s scary as an adult, never mind what it must be like for a child or even a child on the autistic spectrum. They were terrified.

“It wasn’t just us it happened to – I know of at least four others who phoned the police that night. 

“You want to protect your kids but you know that you can’t go outside and confront them because it will make it worse. It’s just a horrible situation to be in. 

“Some parents might not know where their kids go, especially if they’re teenagers. I’m hoping that by publicising it, we can reach out to parents of teenagers to keep an eye out.”

Another resident, a mum of two, said: “I actually heard the bang of the stones hitting off my neighbour’s window. 

“I looked out and there was a big crowd of them. They were only about 13-years-old. There was one wee girl among them and she was only about seven or eight and it was about half eight at night. You wonder how she’s allowed out at that time with all these older boys. 

“The problem is that they get away with it. There used to be wardens patrolling the area and I think they should have something like that again, even if it’s just volunteers. 

“It’s only a matter of time before someone’s seriously injured.”
Following the latest antisocial events, Police Scotland vowed to step up patrols in the area.

Locality Policing officers are being supported by colleagues from specialist departments and will be in the area in the coming weeks to address concerns raised by local residents and engage with young people. 

Officers will be visiting off-licence premises in the area and working with partners including the North Ayrshire Council Anti-Social Behaviour Investigation Team to tackle the issue.

PC Craig Cathie, Locality Policing Officer for the area, said: “We are committed to working with communities to tackle incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour.

“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 behaviour 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.

“We are increasing our patrols in the area and will work with our partners to ensure that appropriate action is taken to prevent re-offending.”

Anyone with concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in their community is encouraged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.