A group of youths filmed themselves “smashing windows and causing fires” in a Glasgow housing estate and shared the footage on TikTok, police have said.
Four boys were believed to be behind a “spate of vandalisms” off Wardie Road near the Stepford Football Centre.
Sergeant Gareth Wylie, Police Scotland, told councillors at a Baillieston Area Partnership how there had been “a rise in anti-social behaviour involving youths” in the area.
READ MORE: Outlander star Sam Heughan arrives on TikTok with 'lost in Mexico' video
He said the summer months, when schools are off, normally see a “peak in vandalism, littering, youths accessing alcohol at weekends in our local parks” but the force is hopefully “on top of it now”.
“There was a spate of vandalism at the new-builds off Wardie Road near Stepford pitches,” Sergeant Wylie said. “We did a lot of work on that and there were four young boys who were reported to the Children’s Reporter in relation to that.
“That comes from a group that was active more in the Easterhouse area in relation to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
“Unfortunately they targeted those new-builds and were using [social media platform] TikTok to broadcast it live as they ran around smashing windows and causing fires etc.
“We are working with our partners in education and social work to make an impact on that. There has been no recurrence of that so I think we are on top of that.”
Andy Gilbert, from Easthall Residents Association, praised local officers for their work, particularly tackling vandalism. He said: “We’re able as an agency to do some work and get them engaged in some meaningful activities as well, so a coordinated approach in terms of trying to do wider work and get them engaged in positive pastimes.”
Cllr Kevin Lalley, who represents Baillieston, thanked the officer for the force’s efforts. “It’s quite good to hear and see that these kids are not just getting thrown on the scrapheap,” he said.
Sergeant Wylie said: “A lot of these kids come from challenging homes and circumstances, so it’s not a case of locking kids up and throwing away the key. We’re very keen on working with the community to try and get these kids on the right track.”
READ NEXT
Two Thornliebank teenagers admit to brutal knife murder bid on 15-year-old boy
Coma survivor slams Renfrewshire love-rat who gave her life savings to his secret lover
Celtic fan, 14, found dead 'tried TikTok Blackout Challenge' as mum warns parents
Glasgow is Scotland's 'third worst' area for house break-ins
Woman, 66, dies and man fighting for life after three-vehicle crash on A725 Bellshill Bypass
