YOUTHS have been charged with "mobbing and rioting" offences in Glencraig while others were caught in Kelty after throwing missiles at vehicles from a bridge over the M90 motorway. 

That's just two of the troubling incidents councillors were told about over the past year with anti-social behaviour hot spots across the Cowdenbeath area. 

Community police inspector Hazel Crielly said there were reports on youths causing problems in Glencraig, Kelty and Cowdenbeath while Fife Council's safer communities team highlighted issues in Ballingry and Lochgelly. 

Insp Crielly said: "During the early part of the reporting period a key focus for officers was Clune Terrace in Glencraig due to an identified spike in anti-social behaviour in that area. Following an incident of significant disorder, several youths were reported for a mobbing and rioting offence.

"Collectively with Scottish Fire and Rescue and Fife Council safer communities several joint patrols were carried out to prevent and disrupt the anti-social behaviour."

Her report to the Cowdenbeath area committee said that shelters in that area, used by youths, were subsequently demolished and there have been no further reports since. 

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She continued: "During August 2023, we received several concerning reports of youths throwing items on to vehicles on the M90 from a footbridge in Kelty, resulting in damage to several vehicles and drivers having to take evasive action to avoid a road traffic collision.

"Significant work to identify those responsible was carried out and several youths were charged in connection with the incidents and reported via Youth Justice."

Patrols were carried out during the autumn and winter months at the War Memorial area and Stenhouse Street underpass in Cowdenbeath in order to "provide a visible presence and engage with youths". 

Police also reached out to licensed premises in the area to educate and offer support in assisting in the prevention of alcohol sales to underage youths. 

A separate report was also given to councillors by the safer communities team.

It said: "The introduction of the Cowdenbeath area anti-social behaviour group has also allowed us to work in partnership with other services to address emerging issues in the area.

"Joint patrols with partners have been undertaken to assist in any ongoing issues in this area - one of the main being youth disorder, which can be seen on a large scale."

While the report said that the demolition of derelict buildings at Ballingry Rovers football ground solved some issues with anti-social behaviour in the village, they said that Lochgelly public park, Leuchasbeath Woods and Cowdenbeath War Memorial continued to be areas that attract young people at weekends. 

It added that the skate park in Cowdenbeath was also a problem area for wheelie bin fires.

The report concluded: "Safer communities officers work very closely with local police officers and fire and rescue colleagues, carrying out joint patrols to help target problematic areas."