Councillor calls for arrests after spate of vandalism

Councillor Jim Brown says there has also been similar problems in toilets at the town’s Lothian Park, as well as in Kelso and Eyemouth, and added: “It’s getting out of hand and the culprits need to be caught and charged”.

He said: “I really don’t want to think it’s the kids in Jedburgh, but I can’t see why adults would act like this.

"I can see it happening if it’s a gang of kids, where one of them does something wrong and the rest just join in.

"It’s also distressing that they have targeted the disabled toilets … what sort of mindset does it take to damage a facility used by disabled people?”

Mr Brown said that at a meeting yesterday morning, Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust agreed to take responsibility for the toilets for two months, free of charge.

Each vandalism incident was reported to police, who said this week that they will carry out additional patrols of badly-hit facilities, and called for witnesses to come forward with any information.

Inspector Jacqueline McGuigan of Galashiels Police Station said: ‘‘Vandalism, no matter what form it takes, should never be tolerated by individuals or neighbourhoods, it harms communities and people.

‘‘Those responsible for these mindless and reckless acts should ask themselves how they would feel if their property was targeted in this way.

‘‘Police Scotland takes vandalism very seriously and urges residents not to suffer in silence.

"If you see vandalism or anti-social behaviour taking place, tell us straight away.

"We will take the appropriate action against those responsible.

‘‘We work closely with the local authorities and other partner agencies to tackle vandalism and other types of anti-social behaviour, and local officers including Community Action Team will be carrying out additional patrols in the area in an effort to deter and detect offenders.

‘‘Anyone wishing to report an incident or who has information that could assist Police Scotland should call 101, or speak to their local officer.’’