Thurso gang's terror campaign
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A TEENAGE gang has been terrorising youngsters in Thurso streets and making threats via a social-networking site.
That’s the claim made at the latest meeting of the town’s community council on Tuesday night.
According to member Don Smith, the problem has been going on for at least two months. He has spoken to two people who have been affected and urged police to take action.
The gang apparently comprises between 12 and 15 people, with the majority being girls of secondary school age. During the summer, it allegedly attacked high school pupils walking on their own.
Victims have, he said, been physically attacked in different areas of the town and it is believed gang members have camped outside of individuals’ homes, shouting abuse at them and their families.
As well as physical violence, it is believed threats have been posted on Facebook.
Mr Smith claimed the latest incident took place last Friday, although he did not wish to disclose the area where it occurred for fear of reprisals.
He stressed the problem needs to be dealt with immediately and believed there have been more cases than he knows about.
“It was reported to me that there is a gang of around 15 undesirables which are targeting lone individuals,” he said.
“I have also been told that the majority of the group are teenage girls. They have intimidated their victims by threatening them and their families by sending abusive messages on Facebook.
“There have also been incidents where they camp outside their victim’s house and have thrown stones at their windows. This has been going on for the last few months and it seems to be getting out of the hand.”
He added: “Threats on Facebook are classed as a hate crime and I have seen evidence of those responsible posting messages for myself.
“The issue with this is that they are instantly traceable and should be dealt with immediately. For the victims of this sort of behaviour, it is obviously quite distressing.”
Acting Sergeant Brian Hamilton said Northern Constabulary has not been notified of any incidents regarding gang activity.
He said after receiving information from the community council officers are pursuing inquiries.
He added if anyone feels they are being intimidated to contact the police station immediately.
“These are reports which Northern Constabulary are taking very seriously,” he told the John O’Groat Journal.
“We have not received any reports of such incidents that have taken place but we will be following up the matter. We have received a number of reports of cyber bullying where people receive threats on their Facebook profile.
“In the majority of cases, it is usually incidents where friends have fallen out and don’t actually intend to carry out their threats. There has never been an incident where such a large group of people has targeted individuals on a social-networking site.
“There are settings on Facebook which can block certain individuals which we would advise people to do in the first place.
“If anyone feels that they are being threatened we would urge them to contact the police so we can address the issue.”
Anyone with information regarding these incidents can contact Thurso Police Station on 01847 893222.
