POLICE are being urged to crack down on anti-social behaviour by teenage louts in Renfrew. 

Councillor Jane Strang, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead, has been contacted by concerned constituents who have complained of bins being torched and windows being smashed.

The mindless vandalism has mainly taken place in the Nethergreen area, as well as nearby Robertson Park.

In the latest incident, a metal container from a supermarket was stuffed with cardboard and set on fire in the park at around 5pm on Sunday.

Councillor Strang, of the Scottish Conservatives, has called on local police to step up their patrols in the Robertson Park area.

She told The Gazette: “Our community should be a safe place to live, yet we are seeing bins being set on fire and dumped, as well as windows being broken, which is completely unacceptable.

“Unfortunately, it is part of a rising trend of anti-social behaviour in this ward, which must be clamped down on.

“We need to see an increase in the number of officers on patrol to send the strongest possible message that this behaviour is being seriously tackled.

“I am committed to working with our local police in order to ensure this area is a safe place to live at all times.”

Last month, The Gazette told how members of Robertson Park Bowling Club had issued a plea for more CCTV coverage in the area after repeatedly being targeted by thugs and vandals over the last five months.

Club secretary Jim Coyle said missiles, including bottles, have been thrown at members by louts as they play on the green.

He added: “They’ve pulled pipes off the walls and set a wheelie bin on fire right next to the building.

“Some of our members are now scared to play on the green that backs onto the skatepark.

“We try not to react to them but it’s clear now that they’re targeting the bowling club as it’s entertainment for them.”

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, said he is aware of the complaints relating to Robertson Park.

Patrols at the skatepark have been stepped up.

“If anyone sees anything in the park, we would urge them to report it to the police,” added Inspector O’Hare.

“We are working closely with Renfrewshire Council to increase patrols to assist in addressing concerns from the community.”