Police have been carrying out high visibility patrols on quadbikes in Cumnock and Catrine to help prevent anti-social behaviour by groups of young people in the area.

Last week, they spoke to a number of youths, seized alcohol and fireworks and reported a young person to the Children’s Reporter for a disorder offence.

Three youths, aged 14 and 16, have been reported to the Children’s Reporter in connection with break-ins to garden sheds.

Local officers patrolled Cumnock and Catrine, focussing on areas that they had been told were hotspots for groups of young people acting anti-socially and damaging property.

They used their newly acquired quadbikes to cover large areas of offroad land and other officers covered areas by foot or patrol car.

Cumnock Chronicle: An officer scours the area for troublemakers.An officer scours the area for troublemakers.

Their efforts are part of Operation Ellipse a joint initiative between Police Scotland and East Ayrshire Council aimed at targeting anti-social behaviour.

Officers have also been supported by East Ayrshire Council Youth Workers, who have been engaging with the young people.

Chief Inspector Steven Meikle, Area Commander for East Ayrshire, said: “Operation Ellipse is about engagement as much as enforcement and, along with the council, we’re trying to encourage young people to take a better path.

“We will take enforcement action where we have to and will continue, in the coming days and weeks, to patrol these areas.

“We will also be contacting a number of parents and carers whose children have come to our attention.

“I would strongly encourage parents and carers to ensure they are aware of their children’s whereabouts on an evening and talk to them about the impact anti-social behaviour can have on their future, as well as the effect on the community.”