Covid-19 frustration blamed for fuelling antisocial behaviour in Ross-shire communities
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FRUSTRATION born of the Covid-19 pandemic could be one of the reasons for a rise in antisocial behaviour amongst young people in a number of Ross-shire communities.
Amid rising tensions over reports of senior citizens being terrorised, cars keyed and windows smashed, sharp differences of opinion over how to deal with the problem have been voiced.
The respected youth group, The Place, last week appealed to parents to take responsibility for the behaviour of "a small minority" of young people causing problems in the centre of Alness.
"While Alness has been highlighted with regard to teenagers misbehaving, it is happening all over.This is an offshoot from the Covid restrictions, where children have struggled to release their anxieties and energy." - Cllr Maxine Smith
It said: "If your child is out tonight, do you really know where and who with? Are you aware that antisocial behaviour in Alness is through the roof? Are you aware that people, many of the vulnerable have been victims of crime in our community as a result of groups of youngsters?
It claimed: "The same names of young people are cropping up time and time again so why is this being allowed to happen. Why are they being allowed out?There are youngsters out and about on the High Street, some under the influence of alcohol, are they yours?"
It said: "It is not the job of the police, youth workers or teachers to monitor behaviour but parents.Please ask your child some difficult questions because the last thing anyone wants is a community filled with fear and young people on the periphery of offending and entering the police system.
"Things are getting out of hand and our concerns are for our community."
It has offered to work with parents concerned about their children.
Inspector James Rice, community inspector for Easter Ross, said: "We know that antisocial behaviour has a disruptive effect on local communities and act on any information we receive.We are in regular contact with various partners in the community and are committed to working together to reduce and deter antisocial behaviour in Alness.
"I would also urge parents and guardians to make sure that they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing."
The Place youth work co-ordinator Janette Douglas said: "In Alness our young people are amazing, and during Covid our kids have been stuck in, but like many towns there are a small number of young people who are frustrated and displaying antisocial behaviour.We will continue to work with agencies, such as the police, to help anyone onto the right course."
Local councillor Maxine Morley-Smith said: "While Alness has been highlighted with regard to teenagers misbehaving, it is happening all over.This is an offshoot from the Covid restrictions, where children have struggled to release their anxieties and energy. All we can do as a local authority is try and provide activities for them, which is where the youth work comes into its own.
"In Alness there are a few new initiatives for them to try. We are also trying to restock our playparks by the spring for the younger children. After a tightened down winter they will need every avenue of outdoor play we can muster."
Social media has been abuzz with comment: "When it’s the same kids persistently why not fine the parents? The behaviour on Alness High Street is disgusting," said one on Facebook.
