| Police are giving extra attention to the area around a Dundee building site where workers were attacked with fireworks, rocks and golf balls last week, writes Steven Bell.
Officers attended the Colonsay Terrace scene on Friday and are understood to have recovered around 50 golf balls from a block which was being stripped.
The youths responsible also launched fireworks at the workmen, who had to down tools and take cover until the police arrived.
A number of youths were traced nearby, and their parents will receive Beacon letters, advising them of the incident and the force’s concerns.
Superintendent Matt Hamilton, Deputy Divisional Commander in Dundee, said, “The Beacon letter is not an alternative to a report being submitted to the Reporter to the Children’s Panel.
“If there is evidence to suggest an individual has committed a crime, we will, in the normal course of events, charge and report them.”
The Beacon letter system is designed as a warning to children under the age of 16, and their parents, that the type of behaviour they have become involved in will not be tolerated.
There may be insufficient evidence to support a charge, but it gives a clear indication that the youngster is skating on thin ice.
Continued Superintendent Hamilton, “The Beacon letter aims to nip any potential bad behaviour in the bud and encourages parents to play their role in doing this, before a child’s actions deteriorate to the point where they are criminalised.
“It is encouraging that we receive letters from many parents thanking us for making them aware of concerns about their child and for giving them an opportunity to deal with the problem themselves.
“Sadly, not all parents have that attitude. But that alone does not mean the child shouldn’t get the chance to address their behaviour in the first instance.
“But, once again, we will charge if the evidence is available.”
Workers on the site said there had been no further attacks since the police took action on Friday.
The local councillor, Andy Dawson, said he believed Beacon letters to be successful in preventing further trouble “nine times out of 10.”
He continued, “Why stigmatise kids who have maybe made a mistake once, or been part of something they didn’t want to be a part of?
“I am happy enough with the Beacon letters myself, they do a lot of good.
“In saying that, if one of the workmen had been hurt, there could have been serious repercussions. If it happens again I think stronger action would need to be taken.”
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