BALACLAVA wearing youths at the centre of antisocial behaviour problems in a Midlothian town centre have been warned “we will find you”.
Midlothian Council leader Kelly Parry said CCTV footage being captured in Dalkeith was so good it could identify those involved even when they try to cover their faces.
And she vowed to continue cracking down on the trouble, warning those involved they were not only putting themselves at risk but if they are council tenants could find themselves losing their lease.
Parry told a meeting of Midlothian Police and Fire and Rescue Board that the council was working with police to crack down on issues.
Over the past few weekends, there have been reports of fire setting, vandalism and disorder involving groups of young people in Dalkeith town centre, with incidents escalating during the recent warm weather.
The local authority said as the school summer holidays are approaching, it was working with Police Scotland to prevent further disruption.
Parry said: “We have already used some of the intelligence to get in touch with schools and parents about people involved in antisocial behaviour and will continue to do so.
“I am told our CCTV is so good they can actually sometimes capture people even when they are wearing balaclavas, so people going out at the weekend thinking that is going to protect them, it is not.
“We will find you and we will take action.”
At the start of the Police Scotland update report being presented to the meeting Parry put on record her thanks to the police and council officers for work which had been done in relation to recent issues with antisocial behaviour in Dalkeith.
During the meeting councillor Stephen Curran had raised the issues of antisocial behaviour and whether all the tools available were being used adding: “I know it is quite difficult just now, the youths are all dressed in dark clothing with face covering. The more we can deter that behaviour the better.”
He said: “The youths cannot be allowed to go about with impunity. We should be doing all we can when we can.”
Local area commander for Midlothian Gordon Couper confirmed CCTV was being used to take on the issue.
Chief inspector Couper said: “We spoke last week with colleagues in the council and mobile CCTV is being deployed, certainly in Dalkeith we are aware of an increase in antisocial behaviour involving youths.
“We typically see this at this time of year, with the better weather it is understandable and we are doing all we can to combat it and understand who is involved. Mobile CCTV is being used.”
Following the meeting Parry said: “Recent behaviour in Dalkeith town centre is completely unacceptable. These actions are causing damage to property, putting people at risk and placing an unnecessary cost on our communities. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their town centre.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland to address this, and those responsible should be aware that they will be identified. CCTV is being used by the council to assist investigations and anyone found to be involved will face consequences, including action that could put their housing tenancy at risk.”
