Concerned locals in Lanarkshire found a disused syringe and needle lying on the street last weekend.
The items were found near Braemar Road in Rutherglen and were immediately reported to South Lanarkshire Council's environmental health team.
A number of homes and shops are around the area.
One local told Lanarkshire Live: "Leaving something like that there is totally mindless.
"It disregards our community - you can have children out here or people taking their pets out for a walk.
"We are hoping this is just an isolated event and that everyone keeps their eyes open for any others."
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities, waste and ground services at South Lanarkshire Council, stressed that the local authority would react quickly to any cases of syringes and needles being found.
He said: “Incidences of discarded syringes or needles being found in public places are thankfully quite rare.
"However, when we are alerted to them, our aim is to respond quickly.
“To ensure public safety, we would ask that anyone finding such items contacts our customer services centre on 0303 1231 020 during office hours or 0800 24 20 24 out of hours.
"Reports can also be logged on our website at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk ."
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