A CUMNOCK landlord has hit out after a newly vacant flat in the town was broken into and trashed.

Donald Kane told the Chronicle the incident happened after a tenant moved out – because he’d been left “terrified” by the behaviour of some of those living nearby.

A property owned by Mr Kane in the town's Meagher Court was left badly vandalised, with the tap kicked off the sink, internal doors ripped off, windows broken and holes left in the walls.

The incident happened on July 17.

An attempt was also made to set fire to window blinds within the property.

Cumnock Chronicle: The vandalised flat

The previous tenant had vacated the property just days earlier stating he was repeatedly harassed by some young neighbours.

Mr Kane said: "They wrecked the flat. Another neighbour complained to the police but they had gone by the time they arrived.

"I had completely refurbished the flat, rewired it and put insulation in.

"But my tenant was terrified of some of those in the neighbourhood - 'druggies' he called them - and he's an ex marine.

Cumnock Chronicle: The vandalised flat

"He decided to move out on July 12 and five days later this happened.

"They tried to set fire to the blinds, kicked the taps off, ripped doors out and  broke windows.

Mr Kane contacted the police who arranged for the flat to be boarded up.

Now Police Scotland and East Ayrshire Council have pledged to step up their fight against anti-social behaviour and vandals in the town.

Cumnock Chronicle: The flat was badly vandalised

Chief Inspector Alison Wilson told the Chronicle: “We know that an increase in anti-social behaviour has been a cause for concern in the community.

“An action plan involving the police and partners has been established as a preventative strategy and to promote positive behaviour.

“Everyone should be able to live confidently, without safety concerns or be adversely affected by those who engage in anti-social behaviour.

“I would urge parents and carers to play a part in keeping our communities safe by ensuring they are aware of the whereabouts of young people and have honest conversations about the impact of their actions and the potential for arrest should they engage in criminal acts.

“Where instances of anti-social behaviour do occur, I would ask that people continue reporting through the 101 telephone number, or through 999 if it an emergency.”

A council spokesperson said: "East Ayrshire Council can confirm that following reports of issues at the block at Meagher Court, Cumnock, we are proactively working with partners to alleviate the problems residents are experiencing.

"The area is visited frequently by officers who have contacted residents to provide advice and assistance in reporting repairs and incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"All identified repairs have been arranged to provide additional security in the block."