Groups of underage youths use Grangemouth park for lockdown drinking session

Eight youths were moved on and warned over their conduct as community officers undertook foot and cycle patrols in Zetland Park following a spate of incidents at the historic green space.

Alcohol was seized by police who have launched an inquiry to establish how and where it was purchased.

Last week, we told how five disorderly youths received warnings in connection with anti-social behaviour in Zetland Park on Saturday, January 30.

That incident came in the wake of a rise in vandalism in the area.

Police have also sent out letters to parents of high school pupils in Grangemouth to inform them of the large groups of youths gathering in the park and warn them there will be an increased police presence in Zetland Park at weekends.

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The warning letter and step up in patrols are a response to a number of incidents in the park – including a portable toilet being set alight, a dump truck being stolen from the park’s new play area and dumped in Grange Burn and a decorative wheelbarrow being damaged in the rose garden.

Zetland Park was recently boosted by an award of £192,000 of funding courtesy of the National Lottery Heritage to allow a massive regeneration project to continue progressing.

KOMPAN, the company that is building the new all-inclusive play area, has also taken measures to prevent vandalism from taking place.

A Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) device which monitors and detects any form of intrusion inside the perimeter of the site has been introduced to the site.

The firm is is also asking residents and park users to remain vigilant.

Last summer the rose garden suffered through an incident of major vandalism when a £600 cherry tree – planted by a group of hard-working volunteers – was ring-barked, which effectively killed it off.

Anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour in Zetland Park is asked to call police on 101.

Information can also be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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