Mission to crack down on youth crime amid Scottish tragedies

Glasgow Times

01-07-2025

Operation Ballaton, a multi-agency effort to reduce anti-social behaviour, violence and criminal activity, has relaunched in a bid to keep youngsters safe in light of recent incidents across the west of Scotland.
The deaths of Kory McCrimmon, 16, Amen Teklay, 15, and Kayden Moy, 16, have prompted concern over the welfare of young people and the apparent prominence of knife crime over recent months.
(From left to right) Amen Teklay, Kory McCrimmon, and Kaydern Moy. (Image: Supplied) Local Area Inspector Colin Cameron says they are using every tool at their disposal to prevent and take action when criminal activity occurs.
He said: "We understand that recent incidents involving serious violence among young people in other parts of Scotland have caused concern. While reported incidents of violent crime remain at historically low levels, we are not complacent.
"Through Operation Ballaton, we will continue to focus our resources where they are most needed, working closely with partners to address any issues that arise and to ensure the public can feel confident and safe in this area."
Kory, 16, was killed in May last year when he was stabbed in the heart in Greenfield Park in Glasgow's East End. A 14-year-old was jailed for five years for the killing.
Amen Teklay died in March after he was found seriously injured in Clarendon Street in Maryhill. Three teenagers, aged 13, 14, and 15, have been charged in connection with his death
Kayden Moy, 16, died after a disturbance at Irvine Beach last month. Two 17-year-olds have been charged with his murder.
Inspector Cameron continued: "Officers will be on high-visibility patrol throughout the summer, supported by our partners, and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour, violence or criminal activity will be dealt with firmly and proportionately.
"We are clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will use every tool available to prevent it and take action when necessary."
(Image: Newsquest) The joint forces working in Loch Lomond this summer include Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils, ScotRail, and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority.
A weekly meeting between the forces offers opportunities to engage in joint discussions on how to spread their resources across the large area of Loch Lomond and Balloch.
Each partner is to play their part in ensuring all organisations are ahead of any potentially criminal behaviour.
For example, ScotRail has a communication link with Police Scotland and will give the force a heads up if they have a train at capacity headed to Balloch.
This allows them time to deploy officers at the station ahead of their arrival to issue advice to those heading for the national park.
Loch Lomond Ranger, Leigh Hamilton, says the joint partnership has made it easier for them to enforce bylaws, including alcohol bans and ensure safe use of the water.
She said: "It's essential on a busy weekend like this that we can have a combined approach.
"We can enforce the Loch Lomond byelaws, the camping management byelaws, if they are in the area. We are the eyes and ears for the police as well when we are working together.
"Sometimes we don't always get compliance, and we need the police to support, so it's a two-way street.
"Having the resource of Ballaton, to see where our partners are, is crucial to having a combined approach."
In light of recent fire-raising, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says their involvement is aimed at preventing the likes of the rugby pitch-sized fire in the national park in August.
The barbecue was found with a burger still on top. (Image: SWT) A wildfire after a disposable barbeque caused a blaze around the size of two rugby pitches in the Trossachs. (Image: SWT) With police involvement, they aim to crack down on the irresponsible use of disposable BBQs.
Chris Spence, SFRS watch commander, said: "We always work with our communities to explain the risks of fire, but it's important to stress that deliberate fire-setting is a crime and can have a serious impact on local communities.
"People who set fires need to be aware that getting involved in this type of behaviour can have a big impact on their future.
"Once you light that match, you have no control or way of knowing what happens next.
"Not only are you risking damage to property and wildlife, you're putting yourself and others in danger. It's just not worth it."