Extra police patrols after vandalism

CCTV will be installed and police patrols stepped up in the ongoing fight to tackle vandalism in Ellon.

Vandals, believed to be youths, have targeted local primary and secondary schools and also a construction site.

Police issued an appeal after graffiti was spraypainted over windows and walls of both Ellon Primary School and the Academy.

Officers believe videos are circulating on social media showing the crimes being committed and are urging anyone with access to the clips to get in touch.

Their appeal was issued after a works site at Gordon Park, which will become a skate park, was also targeted.

The series of attacks has prompted extra patrols in the town from police amid “extensive inquiries” to find those responsible.

In relation to the school attacks, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are appealing for information in relation to vandalism at Ellon Primary School between 6pm on Friday February 23 and 7am on Monday February 25.

“Graffiti was spraypainted over windows and walls and over the same weekend, graffiti was also sprayed across windows and walls at Ellon Academy.

“It is believed a video is circulating of people at the school at the relevant times and anyone who has seen the video or has any information is asked to get in touch with the police.”

In addition, Sergeant Stuart Gordon said that extra patrols are being carried out in the town.

He added: “We are aware of vandalism which happened in Gordon Park, Ellon, between Saturday, March 9 and Monday, March 11.

“We are carrying out extensive inquiries to identify those responsible. Local officers will be carrying out extra patrols in the area.

“Anyone who knows who is responsible should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0829 of March 9.”

Local Liberal Democrats councillor Isobel Davidson has urged parents to ensure they know where there children are going, and what they are up to for the sake of the whole town.

She said: “The vandalism in Ellon over the last few weeks is unacceptable.

“Parents should be aware of what their children get up to when they are out late at night in the town, whether they are from Ellon or further afield.

“This dreadful behaviour is by a tiny minority of young people. Most youngsters are brilliant, generous and kind, just like the young lad who handed me a bunch of daffodils this afternoon, because it makes folk happy.

“CCTV will be installed in the next few months which will help business owners keep their staff and premises safe and help the police identify those destroying our community.”

The latest incidents come after Ellon’s town square was subject to a “rampage” by teenagers.

The owners of pizza restaurant, The Gaff, said they had to clear up Neil Ross Square themselves after destruction on the weekend of February 24.

Youths left after breaking into a vehicle, pulling a tree from the ground, knocking bins over and leaving empty vodka bottles on the ground.

‘DREADFUL’: Ellon Primary School was subject to graffiti being sprayed on windows.