THE perennial problem of vandalism continues to blight the grey auld toon.

The cretins who destroyed the sapling trees around the new college in Buccleuch Road should hang their heads in shame. But they won't. They've probably long since realised that this type of wanton destruction rarely leads to an arrest and subsequent punishment. That's the disturbing reality of the situation.

Now I'm not for a minute suggesting that the police aren't doing everything in their power to apprehend the perpetrators. Far from it. But their resources are spread so thinly these days and it's little wonder these yobs feel they can get away with it. We musn't let them though.

So what can we do? Well, after a little research on the subject, I've came to the conclusion that an effective way to tackle vandalism would be to try and exercise peer-group pressure on those involved.

And who better than our youngsters to promote what is and isn't socially acceptable? While at the same time instilling a real sense of pride in the town.

Now whether this is a high school-led campaign or is spearheaded by the police, I'm not sure. But I'd like to think that by adopting a more subtle approach to the problem, it would go some way to addressing what is a chronic lack of respect for other people's property.