Police are investigating reports of louts chasing each other carrying poles and baseball bats in Dumfries.
Gangs of youths were seen chasing each other along Alloway Road and Findlater Court at around 11.30pm on Thursday, December 29.
Councillor Graeme Bell has expressed alarm at the rise in antisocial behaviour.
He said: “I’ve represented north west Dumfries for 15 and a half years and I think crime is spiralling out of control. There’s no deterrent to stop these youths and it’s very difficult for the police to prosecute.
“I know the police and community safety teams are doing all they can and they’re doing a fantastic job in the area to try and combat antisocial behaviour but sadly we’ve no deterrent to stop this and it’s getting out of hand.
“We need tougher sentences to try and stop these types of crimes from happening.”
The latest incident comes two weeks after a woman was attacked and doused in a liquid thought to be petrol after being harassed by a group of youngsters on Alloway Road.
Mr Bell added: “It concerns me and residents and we need to combat this.
“Crime is rising in the area and other areas too. But the problem lies with sentences. We could deal with problem youths years ago with stiffer sentences but now the way this nanny state is going we can’t touch them.
“I’m also deeply concerned for residents and their safety. I hope the police and community safety teams can get on top of this behaviour as it’s long overdue but I’m not blaming them because I know they’re trying their hardest.”
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the disturbance to contact them.
Sergeant Graeme Stitt said: “We are following a positive line of enquiry on those responsible.
“In order to provide reassurance we will have patrols in the area. If anyone has information regarding the incident then we are asking if they can please call 101.”
