Vandals are putting lives at risk by tampering with lifesaving equipment at a Perthshire beauty spot.
Police and the local authority have warned that the repeated removal of, and interference with, throw ropes at Davie Park in Blairgowrie could have fatal consequences.
The ropes at each end of Loon Brae Pond in the popular park have been damaged or recklessly thrown into the water seven times this year, rendering useless a potentially lifesaving piece of kit.
Perth and Kinross Council’s environment convener, Councillor Alan Grant, said: ”We have had to install new throw ropes and their holders on several occasions so far this year as a result of vandalism.
”While our staff will ensure this essential lifesaving equipment is replaced as soon as possible, we are concerned that the acts of thoughtless behaviour by vandals could lead to a far more serious situation if someone was to get into difficulty and there is no throw rope available to help rescue them.
”If anyone has information about the vandalism, I would ask them to please contact the police on 0300 111 2222, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Loon Brae Pond is a natural asset located on a quiet pathway in the park and is widely loved by visitors and walkers using the area.
Tayside Police said it had had no specific complaints made about the removal of safety equipment from the area, but were aware of the problem.
PC Sandra Burgess, community officer for Rattray and the Glens, sent out a plea on September 30 on her police Twitter account.
She said: ”Emergency throwing lines can’t save lives when removed and thrown away. Please leave (them) in canisters in case of emergency.”
A police spokesman said: ”Vandalism such as this is reckless and irresponsible and we would ask anyone who witnesses such behaviour to contact the police immediately.”
Loon Braes enjoyed its heyday in the 1980s, when coachloads of visitors would descend on the area.
Money has been secured to transform it over the next three years.