TESCO should be taking more responsibility for anti-social behaviour at their stores, say Fife Council staff. 

The Press met members of the Safer Communities team, set up in March, following recent incidents in Dunfermline that have seen youths involved in drunken and violent behaviour. 

Dawn Jamieson, team manager, said: “Truthfully, we don’t have a solution but Tesco can step up, using simple measures that will drive them away from the area. 

“That could be switching the free wifi off, playing classical music or taking the benches away. 

“The public should also talk to Tesco about their concerns if they are too intimated or scared to go to the store.”

Over the past month, intimidating gangs of up to 50 youths have been drinking alcohol, taking drugs, abusing staff at Dunfermline bus station and even urinating in public. 

Two young men were seriously injured in what witnesses described as a “vicious attack” that spilled into the store on Carnegie Drive and a fire extinguisher was hurled from the nearby derelict Duracord building, just missing young children coming from the leisure centre. 

However, the Safer Communities team say these problems are not a new phenomenon and that the public should not fear youths.

Dawn continued: “We recognise that people are threatened and the community wants to feel safe. That is why youth officers are building good relationships with these young people, changing their behaviour is better for everyone, rather than just charging them.”

Fellow team manager Tricia Spacey said: “It’s the sheer number of kids that is intimidating for people. But some kids don’t want to be disruptive, they just want to be with their friends.

“Only a small percentage are troublemakers and young people have a right to be in the town centre. 

“Our job is to help them and give them choices. For example, street football has been a joint initiative with the police and we take the football to where the kids are congregating so there’s more chance to engage with them. Our main concerns is kids’ safety.”

The Safer Communities team believe the problems are not specific to Dunfermline and said teenagers are travelling from all over West Fife to particular spots.

This could be because of the rise of social media, making it easier for bigger groups to congregate. 

Some adults aren't helping with a number caught and charged recently for buying alcohol for youths.

When the Press asked how children as young as 12 could be getting their hands on alcohol, the team admitted it was a scary prospect and that police found it impossible to know where it was coming from. 

Julie Cargill, Safer Communities area co-ordinator, said: “This is something that the public can definitely help us with, tipping off shops that sell to youngsters. 

“It’s also something that youths will fear if we can explain to them that this will go on their record and how it will look when they’re are trying to get a job in the future." 

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are working closely with local police to challenge and prevent anti-social behaviour and will consider all suggestions which helps make the shopping experience a little better for our customers in Dunfermline.”