Last year, she said, she witnessed crowds of more than 50 youths, aged as young as 12, congregating in a field at the back of her street, “intoxicated” with alcohol and drugs.

The woman was one of a number of locals who attended the third in a series of community surgeries in neighbourhoods across the western end of the city.

Seven pro-active individuals went along to Menzieshill Community Centre to meet Tayside Police community officers Ryan Williams and Jaclyn Czyba.

The residents spoke out against violent crime, underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in their community.

Each participant took the opportunity to talk to the officers about specific incidents and issues they have experienced living in Menzieshill, while discussing what could be done to address the problem.

The fearful woman explained, “Last year, on the lighter nights, we were constantly calling the police over young kids sitting outside.

“They were taking drugs and underage drinking, and 12-year-old girls were being bodily dragged up the road by their mates,” she said.

“It was happening constantly and I am already dreading the summer nights, so I hope by coming down and speaking to the police I can nip it in the bud.”

The woman told the Tele that youths congregating in the field near her home last summer had often kept her awake to the early hours.

“For a while we were phoning the police nightly,” she said.

“There were 50 or 60 young kids congregating in the field round the back of Dee Gardens.

“They were totally intoxicated. I saw some of them urinating in the street, setting fire to the bins and jumping on top of cars. They were doing the lot.”

She added, “I want to see regular police checks during the lighter nights.

“I understand the police can’t be everywhere at once, but when we have called before, they come down two or three hours later when a lot of the youngsters have already gone.”

An elderly Menzieshill householder also attended the surgery to discuss her fears about the recent spate of muggings and attacks in the region.

The 75-year-old woman said she had been left scared to leave her home at night following recent incidents in Menzieshill where people have been threatened at knifepoint.

“There has been quite a few people attacked,” she said. “This is quite an isolated place after about 6pm. I think they should have night patrols.”

The woman, from Charleston Drive near Ninewells Hospital, said more lighting and a greater police presence in the area would make people feel safer.

“You are frightened to come out at night,” she said. “These people are getting robbed in daylight, too.

“At my age — I’m 75 and my broken ankle’s just healing — you are terrified in case anybody follows you. I couldn’t run away.”

“I think they need more of a police presence, because when you do ring for the police, they can be hours coming,” she added.

* After the surgery Constable Jaclyn Czyba said the evening had been a constructive opportunity to speak to people face-to face about their concerns.

“There has been quite a few people coming along, especially in comparison to the other community surgeries,” she said.

“It was worthwhile.

“There were various issues brought up — underage drinking, parking, drugs and anti-social behaviour.”

PC Czyba said the surgery event was part of a pilot scheme and was a valuable tool to consult with people on local issues.

“I think it is a really good idea for the community to have events like this,” she said. “It gives people in Menzieshill the chance to find out who the community officers are, which means they can then phone up and ask to speak to specific officers.”

The final police community surgery, for West End residents, will be held tonight in Blackness Library, between 5.30pm and 7pm.