POLICE patrols will be carried out at Haddington Golf Club after the course was repeatedly targeted by vandals – including a report of fire-raising.

A group of youths are thought to be behind the incidents, which date from March 19 to April 12.

Police Constable Lynn Black told the Courier there had been “numerous” calls involving youths and anti-social behaviour over recent weeks in various location in the towns, in particular the town’s golf club, on Amisfield Park.

She said: “It has certainly been targeted. I think possibly by one particular group of youths. I don’t know how many or a male or female or those kind of details but it has certainly been targeted by youths.

“We are giving the area patrols during the back shift and night shift.” The officer highlighted that the golf club was also targeted for a spell last year, when flag markers were damaged.

The first incident noted in the officer’s report to the town’s community council stems from March 19, when there were reports of club signs being vandalised.

Then, on March 29, there was another report of a flag and flag stick being vandalised. Another recent incident was a report of intentional fire-raising at the greenkeeper’s hut on April 10. Finally, a security light was also smashed at the golf club on April 12.

It was not unusual for communities to experience a rise in anti-social behaviour complaints relating to youngsters during school holidays, the officer acknowledged.

Meanwhile, police are investigating after £2,000 worth of goods were stolen from a vehicle at the golf club.

The incident, on March 28, saw items including a set of golf clubs, a Stihl saw and a sat nav system stolen from the vehicle, which was parked at the rear of the golf club.

Elsewhere in the town, enquiries are ongoing after reports were made of youths trying to set a fence on fire on Lynn Lea Avenue on April 10.

PC Black said: “The same youths appear to have also thrown stones and eggs at the same property. Further enquiries are being made.” Anyone with any information on any of the incidents should contact police on 101.

Haddington Golf Club declined to comment.