Leven continues to grapple with a troubling wave of local crime, leaving business owners and residents alike feeling increasingly disheartened.
Just yesterday, the owner of The Crown Inn shared two emotional and desperate posts on Facebook, calling on the community for support:
"Please guys - keep your kids under control - I am under enough stress with the business being closed due to kids setting fire to next door, getting windows broken and now this 🤬 What has happened to our town 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I am doing my best to keep my property secure - help a lassie out please 🙏"
"So it would seem my business is now the target of the little cherubs that seem to be ruling our little town. Please, please folks - be vigilant. My business is neither unwanted nor unloved by many, and the shutters are only down due to an ongoing legal issue, which I hope to resolve soon. I am doing my best to keep it secure and in condition to be ready for reopening, so would ask everyone to keep an eye out for me. Thank you 🙏"
This frustration echoes sentiments we’ve heard before. Just over a month ago, we published an article provocatively asking: "How safe do you feel in Leven?"
While we received supportive messages from people voicing concerns over the town’s growing security issues, others dismissed it as "scaremongering."
A Troubling Timeline
Since that article, incidents have continued to escalate:
- A man broke into cars and vans over several days before being arrested.
- A local café had to replace a window shattered by a BB gun during the night.
- A yet-to-open restaurant was targeted by a break-in.
- The Threeways Inn was severely damaged by a fire.
- Bins at the promenade were set alight.
These incidents paint a picture of growing instability that’s hard to ignore.
Balancing the Good with the Bad
Amid this rising crime, it’s crucial to remember that Leven has so much to offer.
From our vibrant businesses to our tourist attractions and community events, there is much to celebrate about our town.
But the question remains: Where is the end to this wave of crime?
We need proactive solutions to tackle these issues—whether it's improved police presence, community-driven initiatives, or stronger efforts to engage with youth and prevent delinquency. This is not just about protecting businesses; it’s about safeguarding the heart of our town and its future.
What’s Next?
As a community, we must ask ourselves:
- How do we work together to restore safety and security in Leven?
- How do we ensure that incidents like these become the exception, not the rule?
The time to act is now. For the sake of our local businesses, our residents, and the town's reputation, we must demand change and take collective responsibility. Together, we can ensure that Leven remains a place where people want to live, work, and visit.
What do you think? Share your thoughts with us—your voice matters.