‘FERAL children’ have been terrorising residents in the Brooms Road area.
One local, who did not wish to be named, explained Wednesday night was particularly bad.
But Police Scotland say they are working with partners to address the issues and find a resolution.
The concerned resident said: “Wednesday was the worst.
“There were at least 20 boys at one stage, earlier there were also some girls, so about 30 different young people in total between 6 pm and 8.30 pm.
“They were being chased by police and some were shouting ‘f**k the police’ and running off.
“People need to realise how feral these children are.
“Parents need to think where their child is in the evening, ask them where they have been if they come in all sweaty.
“It is all witnessed by the security guards at the covid test centre.”
The resident says the youngsters are all aged between 12 and 15.
Some have also been seen entering nearby gardens in a bid to evade law enforcement, and have been spotted in the yard behind the former Brooms Road bed shop as well as in the abandoned underground car park, which was last week the subject of fire-raising, and the former Jumpin’ Jaks night club.
Sergeant Graeme Stitt said: “We are aware of recent issues in antisocial behaviour incidents involving young people in Brooms Road area of Dumfries recently and are acutely aware of the disruptive effect this has on the local community.
“Local officers are working closely with partners, such as Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Youth Work and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, to address these issues and find meaningful solutions to direct our young people away from this mindless activity.
“Dedicated patrols are carried out in the area, with officers providing reassurance to the community as well as engaging with young people and discouraging antisocial behaviour.”
He was also keen to stress that the vast majority of young people do not come to the attention of police.
He added: “We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.
“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.”
Anyone concerned about anti-social behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact police by calling 101 as promptly as possible.
