A “WEE TRIBE” are alleged to have gone on the rampage in Peebles carrying out acts of vandalism.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour were discussed by members of the town’s community council this month.

And community leaders say it is up to the people of Peebles to be ever vigilant and report crimes to the police.

The meeting was told that police are investigating an incident of anti-social behaviour on the School Brae.

Chairman Les Turnbull said: “It also chimes in with an incident on the recently opened School Brae toilets on Tuesday afternoon [last week].

"Between cleans, at twelve o’clock and four o’clock, I’m assuming it would be youngsters, perhaps not, certainly someone had been into what is the disabled toilets, propped the door open with a stone and inside the toilet was evidence of drinking and all sorts of other paraphernalia in the toilet, so that had happened in broad daylight.

“This is just a cry to anyone who sees any misbehaviour of that type, in the School Brae toilets or in and around the School Brae, please report it. It’s essential the police get to know about all these incidents.

Speaking about the police report, community councillor Malcolm Bruce said: “There were incidents noted in Hay Lodge Park and the more recent one was a wee tribe have gone on the rampage up the footpath at Venlaw and have kicked the wooden handrail down the steps from the high road down to the low road, into the bushes, which might seem like good fun to kids but it could actually make a big difference to someone who’s not so steady on their feet but enjoys a walk up Venlaw.

Peeblesshire News: The damage at the Venlaw footpath was allegedly caused by a 'wee tribe on the rampage'The damage at the Venlaw footpath was allegedly caused by a 'wee tribe on the rampage'

“I tested the system and formally reported that vandalism into the new Tweeddale West police liaison email address and I subsequently sent them some photos of the damage.

"It kind of brings us back round to something that we discussed last month, and something which I’m sure we’ll discuss next month, which is the community patrol’s ability to deal with anti-social behaviour like this, and it’s a simple case of the right place at the right time.

"And, up until now, they simply haven’t been in the right place at the right time to take any firm action with these people causing the damage.

“We did have a reportee that actually witnessed some of this damage taking place but unfortunately the witness’s ability to report it in a manner that would allow the police to take immediate action was compromised and we lost that opportunity.”

He added: “Suffice to say the police are aware of this and they think it's more than likely a group of a few individuals who have been trouble in the past and will be trouble in the future.

"If they could catch them in the act, it would be great, so it’s up to the public of Peebles to be ever vigilant in that respect and please use the email or call 101.

“If you think it’s really dangerous and is an emergency, dial 999. Especially if you’re a witness to a crime in action and you feel threatened by the people perpetrating that action."