Action needed to prevent young people in Thurso getting involved in vandalism and anti-social behaviour, say community council

Efforts need to be made to try to prevent young people in Thurso getting involved in vandalism and anti-social behaviour, according to local community councillors.

They highlighted their concerns at this week's meeting after four males aged between 12 and 15 were arrested in connection with a spate of incidents in the town over a six-week period between December and January.

Community council treasurer Elspeth Husband said: "We have to do all we can to support young people. There are so many opportunities for them but it seems to be more fashionable to go out on the streets and get street cred on social media."

Louise Smith wondered if young people are "behaving worse at the moment" as they have worries about the future and that is affecting their well-being. "Is that a factor?" she asked.

It was also suggested that more could be done to help support youngsters – and their families – to try to deter them from getting into trouble.

One parent, who attended the meeting, asked what can be done to make the streets safer.

She said there is not much for certain young age groups in the town and claimed some youths seem to get involved in trouble for "street cred" and added: "We need to try and stop it."

Chairwoman Thelma Mackenzie agreed and said there is a need for something for young people to do, while Rae Smith argued there are opportunities in the town for youths but some want to go out on the streets.

Her community council colleague Billy Sinclair said: "If you want to be active in this town you can be, but some people prefer to do what they are doing rather than being part of that. We need to try and speak to them," he said.

Morris Campbell doubted that would work. "If you try to speak to them you will get the height of cheek," he said, but Mr Sinclair felt it would be worth making an approach and wondered if something could be done by the schools. "If you do nothing, nothing changes," he argued.

Colin Johnston said there appears to be a lack of respect for the police these days and no deterrence for vandals. "I don't know where it is going to end," he added.

Earlier this week Police Scotland said four young males were arrested in Thurso and charged with a number of offences including vandalism, culpable and reckless conduct, carrying an offensive weapon, theft, attempted break-in and assault. All four were referred to the Children’s Reporter.