Police drone plan to tackle vandals on quad bikes

Police drones could patrol Edinburgh's historic parklands after grass and paths were damaged by vandals on quad bikes.

Riders wearing masks have churned up parts of The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links.

Police Scotland said it was considering the option of using drones to help officers track the vandals.

Local councillor Marie-Clair Munro said she had received dozens of complaints from residents who felt "intimidated" by the incidents.

Two recent vandalisms left huge circular ruts in grassy spaces and mud splattered over paths.

A video showing two quad bikers driving recklessly in Bruntsfield Links was shared online in February.

In the footage, a rider sped across a footpath while the other spun their bike around in circles causing significant damage to the grass.

It has been claimed other incidents have involved electric bikes.

Insp Scott Casey said police were following "positive lines" of inquiry after damage was caused by quad bikes.

He told BBC Scotland News: "We absolutely understand the frustrations of people regarding the anti-social behaviour, damage and danger that the irresponsible use of quad bikes and similar vehicles causes.

"We are working hard to trace and deter those responsible."

Insp Casey said officers were making high visibility patrols, particularly in evenings and at weekends.

He added: "We are working closely with partner agencies, such as the local council and housing associations, to gather intelligence and identify those who own the bikes and where they are stored."

Insp Casey said drones were a potential tool in helping to tackle the problems.

He said: "A number of tactics, including the possible use of drones are being considered.

"However, one must appreciate the legislation with regard to their use over residential or public places."

Ms Munro said The Meadows had become a "race track" for off-road bikes.

She said: "This is an ongoing situation where groups of individuals are going around Edinburgh on quad bikes and souped-up electric e-bikes.

"Residents have felt threatened and intimidated. They have no regard for people's safety."

She said residents had sent her videos showing balaclava-clad vandals on bikes.

Neil Roger, Friends of the Meadows project manager, said the park's large green space was once "the lung" of the city's Old Town.

He said: "It was a shock to see the extent of the damage, there were huge ruts all over.

"I haven't been aware of it happening before to this extent with the number of quad bikes and the way they were able to drive over the whole park without anybody stopping them.

"They are causing a lot of damage and are scaring the public as they drive at great speed."

The Meadows has a long history.

It originally contained a loch known as the burgh loch then later the South Loch.

Until Edinburgh's first piped water supply from Comiston arrived in 1621, the loch provided much of the city's drinking water.

It was partially drained in the mid-17th Century and for a time the area was named Straiton's Loch or Straiton's Park after the burgess, a local official, who tried to improve the area.

Further drainage was ordered in 1722 by Sir Thomas Hope, 8th Baronet Hope of Craighall, transforming the marshy land into a park.