An Elgin shop owner believes children “daring each other” is leading to a massive increase in vandalism across the region.
Data from police documents reveal there has been a massive rise in the rate of vandalism in Moray.
The number of publicly reported vandalism incidents has risen to the highest level in at least four years.
And Richard Cumming, who runs Sirology on Batchen Street, believes residents in the town as well as traders now find the problem “intimidating”.
In 2018/2019 there were 432 incidents of reported vandalism in Moray, in 2019/2020 there were 370, in 2020/2021 there were 347, but most recently in 2021/2022 it has risen to 481.
This means there has been a yearly increase of 38% between 2020/21 and 2021/22.
The data comes from management reports on the police’s website.
This rise in Moray is made more shocking after rates of vandalism in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City both fell in the same four-year period.
Over the past several months, businesses in Moray warned they were noticing an increase in vandalism in the area.
‘There seems to be a challenge mentality’
Mr Cumming, a former chairman of the Embrace Elgin business improvement district claimed businesses were “under attack” in the summer.
After seeing these figures, he says his concerns have now been confirmed.
“A lot of people are finding it intimidating with groups of grown youths in Elgin”, he said.
“There seems to be a challenge mentality with some of the youths where they dare each other to escalate situations.”
Mr Cumming, 41, has experienced two instances of vandalism at his own shop Sirology on Batchen Street this year.
In one instance, they smashed his hanging flower baskets and in another, they stole his bunting display.
But he said the police took around seven weeks to get back to him, before eventually telling him not much could be done due to lack of evidence.
Mr Cumming believes the statistics may even be higher than is officially reported to the police.
He said he had been on hold for 40 minutes after calling 101, before he eventually gave in and hung up.
Mr Cumming said: “Obviously the police have to prioritise more serious or life-threatening situations over vandalism.
“But I think the low-level vandalism has been allowed to escalate to more serious situations like the Poundland fire in August.”
Police encourage public to report vandalism
Other areas in Moray have also experienced vandalism this year.
In February, a Mortlach Nursery in Dufftown had some of its play equipment and outdoor furniture set on fire and left “irreparable”.
In August, a house and vehicle in Buckie was vandalised resulting in “considerable” repair costs.
As part of the police’s strategy, chief inspector Simon Reid has encouraged the public to report vandalism as soon as they see it.
He said: “‘We work closely with the local authorities and other partner agencies to tackle vandalism and other types of anti-social behaviour.
“This involves not only, proactive patrolling and enforcement but also the development and support of local activities in conjunction with partners across Moray.
“‘Where we trace someone involved in or responsible for an act of vandalism, we will take the appropriate action.
“It is also important to point out that acts of vandalism are not exclusively perpetrated by young people. Adults commit acts of vandalism too.”
He said instead of calling, the public can use the police’s ContactUs e-mail facility to avoid waits.
What is Moray Council doing?
A Moray Council spokeswoman said: “Moray Council is aware of the disruptive impact antisocial behaviour and associated issues, such as vandalism, has on a community.
“While we recognise that any rise in crime rates is concerning, it is worth noting that data for 2021/22 is being compared to the previous year, when lockdown restrictions were at their most stringent.
“It should also be noted that the number of complaints do not necessarily correlate with the number of incidents as several complaints can be received about the same incident.”
The council says it continues to work with its partners to identify the cause and culprits of vandalism.
‘We cannot let vandalism spiral out of control’
Scottish Conservative leader and Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “The rise in vandalism in Moray is deeply concerning.
“It is truly shocking that people are wreaking havoc on local businesses and communities, which everyone should take pride in.
“Having met with local officers and the chief inspector for Moray recently this was an issue I raised with the area commander.
“I am aware that this is an ever-increasing problem and we cannot let these incidents of vandalism spiral out of control.
“Our hardworking officers across Moray are continuing to do their best to clamp down on these incidents but they are doing so with one hand tied behind their back due to SNP cuts.
“SNP ministers must ensure that our local officers have every resource they need to take a zero-tolerance approach to vandalism and reassure people that they can feel safe while living and working in Moray.”
SNP MSP for Moray Richard Lochhead said: “This rise in vandalism will cause concern in our local communities.
“I am seeking more information from Police Scotland on the work being taken to tackle such behaviour.
“Of course, it is important that we see a wider response, with parents, schools and community organisations working in partnership to reverse this spike in vandalism locally.”
Conversation