Yobs as young as 10 or 11 are making life a misery for elderly and other vulnerable folk in a Highland village, prompting calls for parents to intervene and the community to help the police stamp it out.
Several residents have spoken of their horror at youngsters of even primary school age intimidating defenceless pensioners by throwing stones at their homes and posting horrible items through letter-boxes.
Police urged Aviemore residents to stem an emerging tide of such misbehaviour in the Burnside and Railway Terrace areas of the village.
One woman resident recounted an incident in which a neighbour had a brick thrown through their lounge window and how items were posted through her letter-box.
The removal of a public bench that attracted youths made a difference for a while but problems have returned.
One victim, who did not wish to be named, attributed the worst of it to alcohol.
She said: “You’d have things thrown into the yard, people shouting abuse and really dirty grafitti.
“I’ve recently had kids banging on the door. A friend of mine made me a panel to put behind the letter-box to stop the rubbish being pushed through.”
A young mother who has contacted the police on several occasions, said: “It’s every now and again. We’ve got the police involved and the school because primary children have caused some of it in the past.”
Police Constable Thewlis said: “This is particularly frightening for elderly residents during the dark nights and causes them physical challenges getting to the door to see who’s knocking.
“It’s a small group and not reflective of the general conduct of most of our young persons but they are having a significant impact on the victims.”
Local councillor Bill Lobban said: “It’s disgraceful. These elderly people should have every right to live in their own home in safety without being pestered by anybody. The local community need to assist the police in stopping this.”
Police said one of the offenders, aged about 12 with light or blonde hair, is regularly in the Burnside area.
Anyone with information should phone 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.