Transport cops are stepping up patrols after a surge in youth anti-social behaviour and gang fighting around a Scots station.
British Transport Police (BTP) have announced the 'targeted operations' after having to deal with 36 incidents since April in Balloch.
BTP dealt with some 104 similar incidents across Ayrshire during the same period.
Earlier this week we told how local teens reported how Balloch has become a no-go zone this summer after clashes with out-of-town rivals.
Disorder in the lochside gateway has mounted and commuters have told of hair-raising journeys on trains bound for the village as city youths travel to the area.
Now one local lad has told how Balloch has become an area “best avoided” for local teens due to the problem.
Cops say they will be working with other agencies like Scotrail as part of the crackdown.
BTP Inspector Alasdair McWhirter said: “Through partnership working with Police Scotland and ScotRail we’re working tirelessly to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour on the railway network, and we’re stepping up our patrols in West Dunbartonshire and Ayrshire using targeted operations.
"As passenger numbers on the railway increase as Covid restrictions lift, we will have more officers at key routes and stations across the network, including Balloch and stations in Ayrshire, to ensure the safety of everyone using it.
“We want people to look after themselves this summer and enjoy themselves, and we ask everyone to be sensible and considerate of other passengers.
"If we do get called out to anti-social behaviour incidents we will take action as the railway needs to be a safe place for everyone using the network.
“Becoming a victim of crime remains extremely low in the area and the majority of people using the railway these places have been enjoying the good weather responsibly.
“Passengers continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting crimes and concerns by texting 61016.”
One woman who regularly uses the line to commute to work in Balloch, also added: “It’s been horrendous. There are usually gangs of young ones coming in on the train drinking and carrying on. There are loads of them and nobody dares say anything because it’s not just one of them, you are taking them all on and you’re asking for a fat lip if you try.”
And West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl confirmed he was seeking an urgent meeting with fellow Lomond councillors, the convener of the licensing board, Police Scotland and other relevant authorities on how the council can assist officers in keeping Balloch “a safe place for local people and the visitors our local economy relies on”.
He added: “This alcohol-fuelled violence is unacceptable and something needs to be done to protect the public from the mindless, thuggish behaviour we’ve been seeing.”
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