Vandals who keep targeting life-saving equipment positioned along the River Tay in Perth have been told they are putting lives at risk.
The criticism comes after a social media user reported on Monday that another throw line had been taken from a spot close to where a group of youths had entered the water.
The man claimed to have used a line in the past to save someone in the river who had got into difficulty.
He wrote online: “Today I watched as many youngsters messed about in the river.
“Even though today was very warm, the water is freezing cold and the river can be very dangerous.
“If some had got into difficulties today they may well have died as the life saver rope where they were in the water had been vandalised.
“These people are the most stupid of the stupid.”
Responding to this latest incident several city centre councillors this week urged anyone who observes throw lines being removed or damaged to report it to the police immediately.
Councillor Andrew Parrott remarked: “It makes me very angry that resources provided for the purpose of lifesaving are senselessly vandalised by thoughtless individuals.
“I hope very much that prosecutions can be brought against anyone caught in the act of vandalising this life saving equipment and if individuals are found guilty then the penalties take into account the possible consequences of the life-saving equipment not being available for use beyond the simple monetary value of the vandalised equipment.”
Councillor Peter Barrett, who leads the council’s housing and communities committee, said: “The vandalism to the throw lines is grossly irresponsible but the council has recovered and reinstated them.
“I would warn anyone away from entering the water at Woody Island or any other part of the Tay in Perth. Even if the throw lines are in place, this should not give casual swimmers any false sense of security.”
Councillor Eric Drysdale added: “Wilful vandalism to life saving equipment is as low and as criminally irresponsible as anyone can get. If anyone has witnessed such acts or has information on the identity of the vandals please call Police Scotland on 101.
“Of equal stupidity, if not criminality, is youngsters – or indeed anyone – larking about in the fast flowing River Tay. Before someone loses their life.”
A PKC spokesperson commented: “Vandalism of safety equipment puts the general public at risk. We have recovered and reinstalled the throw line that had recently been removed, and replaced the cap on its container.
“However, it is concerning and disappointing that someone chose to do this to equipment meant to help effect a rescue should people get into difficulty in the Tay.
“Anyone witnessing vandalism of this equipment is asked to contact Police Scotland and also to report any damage to us so it can be resolved as quickly as possible online at my.pkc.gov.uk/en ”
