POLICE have asked West Fife parents: 'Do you know where your kids are?'

Police patrols have been stepped up in the town centre in recent weeks in an attempt to stop an increase in anti-social behaviour which has included youths littering and setting tyres alight.

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville met local residents this week as well as representatives from Fife Council and Police Scotland to discuss the problem.

Concerned Glen Bridge residents have been in touch with the MSP and she has been working with the police, the fire service and the council in an effort to resolve the problem.

Inspector Ian Flynn, from Dunfermline Police Station, attended the meeting and said: “We are aware of ongoing youth-related anti-social behaviour in the town centre of Dunfermline and have dedicated appropriate resources to tackle this issue and provide support and reassurance to the public.

“As part of our action plan to address anti-social behaviour we have increased local patrols, introduced street football on a fortnightly basis and have set up a partnership working group.

“We would continue to urge the public to come forward and report any anti-social behaviour offences they witness or to get in touch with information relating to anyone involved in crimes of this nature.

“I would also appeal to parents to know where their children are at weekends and who they are associating with. Police and partner agencies can only do so much and we need the children and their parents to work with us in ensuring a safe town centre.”

Ms Somerville saw some of the safety concerns under the Glen Bridge, including broken glass and damaged fencing and she said concerned residents feared going out in the evening as they worried about encountering youths in the car park. 

“Regrettably, anti-social behaviour has become a constant thorn in the side of the Glen Bridge community and I am saddened to see this happening on their doorstep," she said.

“Aside from their understandable concerns about noise and intimidation, the residents are worried about the safety of those causing the disturbances, especially as the darker nights draw in.

“I am heartened by the police response in particular, who have stepped up evening patrols. I was also pleased to see council officials working directly with residents to identify possible solutions."