Police in Kirkcaldy have vowed to tackle a group of youths blighting a local park.
Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused by youngsters congregating in Dunnikier Park over the summer holiday period.
A bench, recently installed by volunteers, was set on fire and there have been further reports of damage to fencing and alcohol being consumed in the town beauty spot.
Motorcycle riders continue to plague the park, a problem officers have attempted to tackle for several years.
PC Richard Danskin said that huge efforts were being made to keep the park clear of troublemakers.
“This behaviour is causing significant disruption and distress in the local area and is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“We are working tirelessly not only to trace those responsible but to also find a solution to this problem.
“While we do understand that there is frustration in the local community regarding this issue, it is paramount that members of the public work with us to solve these crimes.”
The illegal use of off-road motorcycles by youngsters within Dunnikier Park has been a major issue for several years.
Last year, police in Kirkcaldy launched Operation Fireblade, an initiative repeated this summer, in an effort to trace those who use their motorbikes in public places.
While this has proven effective in the past, the rise of antisocial behaviour within the park has caused alarm among residents in the north of the town.
Last month, The Courier reported on the damage caused to a recently installed “Bower Seat”, which was installed by Dunnikier Country Park’s Development Group.
Torched by youngsters just weeks after its completion, Mr Danskin said that it was incidents such as these that officers needed help from the public to tackle.
“Any piece of information may be the part of the jigsaw we need to identify those responsible,” he added.
“I would encourage members of the public to continue reporting instances to us by either contacting Police Scotland or Crimestoppers.”
