Travel in Moray: Claims of anti-social youths travelling to Elgin on free bus passes
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A zero-tolerance approach has been called for towards young people travelling into Elgin on free bus passes and causing trouble.
Concerns have been raised at Elgin Community Council over possible links between those using the under-22 pass and crime in the town.
Community police officer Jamie Dey gave an update on crime in the town during November.
There were 12 acts of vandalism, 29 assaults and nine thefts, six of which were shoplifting.
PC Dey added that most of the incidents were caused by young people.
Some were carried out by those coming into the town from other areas on the free under-22 bus pass which was introduced in January.
Community council member James Wiseman told the meeting he had heard talk of buses being vandalised.
However Constable Dey said Police Scotland had not been informed of any incidents.
Concerns were also raised by members that those causing trouble cannot be banned from buses or have their passes confiscated.
Some councillors for the town are calling for people to report incidents to the police, and for a zero-tolerance approach.
Speaking after the meeting, cllr Peter Bloomfield (Elgin South, Conservative) said he was shocked at the level of youth crime, and concerned that it seemed to be linked to the under-22 bus pass.
He said: "The police are doing their best with limited resources to tackle this.
"However, it was noted that they are not always aware of some incidents, such as criminal damage to buses.
"I would encourage anyone who witnesses such behaviour to report it immediately so culprits can be caught.
"If the police are not aware, they cannot take action."
Cllr Amber Dunbar (Elgin North, Conservative) said she is keen for young people to use public transport, particularly those living in rural areas, but not be to the detriment of other passengers.
She added: "I've heard that some local people, of all ages, no longer enjoy going out in the town and feel unsafe particularly around Elgin bus station.
"It's really disappointing as this has a negative effect on local businesses."
Graham Leadbitter (Elgin South, SNP) praised efforts to improve community policing in the town.
He added: "It’s important to stress the vast majority of young people use their bus passes responsibly and are not engaging in antisocial behaviour.
"However the behaviour of a significant minority is causing significant problems for other people and that clearly needs to be addressed.
"You can’t have areas of the town that people are afraid to go to.
"And you should not tar young people with the same brush."
