POLICE are still hunting vandals who wrenched bike racks from the ground outside a Barrhead supermarket.

An image appeared online showing the metal railings pulled from the paving slabs at the town’s Asda store.

The damage is thought to have been caused over the weekend of April 22 and 23.

Asda said it has removed the racks for health and safety reasons, but insisted they will be replaced.

Inspector John McQuilter, who is based at Giffnock Police Station, told the News: “There are additional patrols in the area.

“We will not tolerate any antisocial behaviour and those responsible will be dealt with robustly.”

More officers were deployed to the area outside the Church Road supermarket and Barrhead Foundry at the end of last year after customers had to be escorted to their cars when a gang of youths began kicking doors and threatening staff.

Louts also caused damage to the Foundry building, which officers said was being used as a hang-out spot due to its free Wi-Fi and teen facilities.

In response, police numbers in the area were stepped up and an East Renfrewshire police problem solving team was assigned to deal with the issue.

Asda hired additional security guards last December to try and curb the problem, as did the Foundry.