COPS are upping their police patrols after reports of teenage gangs on unlicensed quad bikes terrorising residents in Summerston.

The gangs have been causing ‘chaos’ outside the area’s Asda supermarket on Rothes Drive and within Maryhill Park.

Many hang around both areas in the early evening, and some of the teenagers have been riding unlicensed quad bikes across the North Glasgow area, putting the public in danger.

One resident, who did not want be named, said: “There is usually a gang of about 20 or more who hang about Asda, and they are causing chaos.

“They have damaged cars and threw bricks at moving vehicles with children in them. Several bus shelters have also been damaged and I was almost knocked down by one of them who was riding a bike.”

“They are also cheeky to adults using Asda and I believe most of them are now banned from entering the supermarket.”

The resident added: “It is terrible as people are scared to walk past them and they are worried because many of them are not local to the area.”

It is also understood that the teenage gangs have been drinking alcohol in Maryhill Park.

A spokesman for Friends of Maryhill Park: “Groups have been hanging around the park, drinking - and there is lots of broken glass.

“Plants have been ripped out from their roots and stuff has been smashed up in the park.”

He added: “We are a voluntary group so we only have limited funding to do the things we do in the park.

“When they get wrecked, we don’t have the funding to repair the damage.”

Maryhill Councillor Jane Morgan said: “This is very concerning. I hope anyone with information on misuse of quad bikes will provide information to the police or Crimestoppers.”

She added: “I am also aware of other concerns about vandalism and I am in touch with the police about dealing with this.”

Asda in Summerston said they were ‘grateful’ for Police Scotland’s approach to tackling the issue.

An Asda spokesman said: “We’re grateful for the Police’s proactive approach to this issue, which will help to ensure our customers can enjoy shopping in our store.”

Cops in North Glasgow confirmed they had received a number of reports about youths vandalising cars in the Maryhill area.

A spokesman said: “A number of reports received of youths vandalising cars in the Maryhill area - do you know what your kids are up to when they aren’t home?

“Enquiries are ongoing at present to identify those responsible.”

The force also warned quad bike users that they need permission from a land owner to use their vehicle on that premises. That permission is needed for council parks.

Inspector Craig Walker said: “Over the last couple of months we have received a number of complaints regarding youths riding unlicensed quad bikes in the Summerston area. These riders are not only putting their own safety at risk, but are also a danger to other members of the public.

“Officers have been carrying out patrols in the local area and are progressing enquiries to identify those involved.”

Anyone with information should contact Maryhill Police Office through 101, or alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.