POLICE are hunting a gang of youths who have been causing havoc in Troon’s North Beach.

Cops have handed out information leaflets to 100 homes in the area in a bid to crack down on the troublesome tribe.

Councillor Nan McFarlane said teens had been spotted on the railway line hurling stones at houses.

Network Rail were called in to inspect the track fence last week in a bid to stop the trespassers getting in.

Speaking at last week’s Troon Community Council meeting, Councillor McFarlane said: “These youngsters have been giving the police the run-around.

“If they are on the railway line, it is an accident waiting to happen.” Troon police inspector Alister Kelly said officers are cracking down on the gang around North Shore and have delivered anti-social behaviour leaflets.

He said: “There appears to be a group of eight or 10 individuals involved. We have an ongoing plan to disrupt him. It is causing annoyance.

“There is vandalism and house break-ins.” Overall, 340 anti-social behaviour crimes were recorded between March and the end of August in the town.

There was one serious assault, which was detected. Out of 45 common assaults, police solved 32 of the offences.

During the period thieves broke into 19 properties but only eight of them have been snared.

Inspector Kelly said the “majority” of the break-ins targeted garages. But a few have involved the theft of cars. A Mercedes, which was nicked, was traced in Glasgow.

He warned residents to “make sure car keys were not in view.” Cops have also carried out 32 search and stop checks in Troon since the spring.