Wick community councillors call for talks with police over 'totally unacceptable' behaviour by youths

Community councillors in Wick are calling for a meeting with Police Scotland's area inspector for Caithness over the "totally unacceptable" actions of some local youths.

Chairperson Joanna Coghill voiced her frustration at Monday's monthly meeting of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council as she highlighted instances of antisocial behaviour in the town centre

“They are still running riot," she said. "We've got people who live in the centre of the town who have got serious problems with youngsters on roofs, breaking windows, trying to break in, and they are getting nowhere fast.”

Mrs Coghill also said she was disappointed that no police report had been presented to the latest community council meeting.

In August, Mrs Coghill had complained about "a complete lack of communication of any sort from the police". She said at the time: "I'm tired of getting no response, no reports."

Police Scotland later gave an assurance that its new area inspector for Caithness, Stephen Mezals, "will be reaching out to all our community councils and groups to maintain and improve engagement”.

Speaking after the November meeting this week, Mrs Coghill confirmed that the community council would be writing to Police Scotland to request a meeting "as soon as possible".

She said: "We agreed around the table that the situation with youths in the town – of various ages, male and female – causing damage is totally unacceptable and it needs to be addressed. We should not have to put up with this, and they should not get away with it.

"I realise that many are saying 'name and shame', and 'parents should be taking responsibility', but it's not as easy or as simple as that. Working together, talking and showing that we are a community will be a starting point and we have to try that approach.

"The community council is in touch with Wick High School to plan and work on projects with pupils. Youngsters have to realise that at the end of the day they are only spoiling our town – their home, where they live.

"It's not funny, not cool, and definitely not smart or wise.

"Having said that, I do believe that those caught for any type of crime should be dealt with in the correct legal manner – but our local force is under enormous pressure on a daily basis and this is why it is important that we report incidents to 101.

"The more reported, the more Police Scotland will note that we are lacking in officers here in our area."