‘Significant fall’ in anti-social behaviour across East Renfrewshire

Figures show a 21 per cent decrease from April 2018 to March 2019, when compared with the same period the year before.

Complaints of disorder have reduced by 565 from 2649 to 2084, while vandalism has dropped from 465 incidents to 340.

Crimes of consuming alcohol fell from 62 to 31, the police report to East Renfrewshire Council shows.

Chief Inspector John McQuilter, area commander for East Renfrewshire, said: “Anti-social behaviour remains a community priority and we continue to focus efforts on preventing disorder.

“In the past year, we have seen a significant decrease of 21 per cent compared to last year regarding incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“Our campus officers continue to deliver inputs at schools regarding anti-social behaviour and, along with colleagues from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we have now rolled out these inputs to include parents’ evenings across the area to highlight the effects that this type of behaviour has in community.”

The force’s objectives include influencing young people, identifying and analysing repeat callers reporting anti-social behaviour, and addressing any underlying issues, and maximising opportunities to reduce anti-social behaviour and disorder.

More than 300 parents were present at the parents’ evenings, with officers reporting the input was “well received”.

Police have also worked with Community Safety to deliver an anti-social behaviour workshop, with partner agencies present.

“A number of case studies were reviewed and through group discussion, a number of improvements are being developed,” the area commander said.

However, there was a rise in sexual crime over the same period, from 109 victims last year to 146 victims in 2018/19.

“There has continued to be an increase in the reporting of sexual crimes which is partly due to the continued trend of victims having the confidence to come forward and report ongoing and historical incidents.

“Specialist officers continue to deal with these investigations which are invariably lengthy and complex.”

Mr McQuilter reports a drop in violent crimes, robbery and common assault but a rise in serious assaults, up from 21 to 31.

There was also a drop in reported domestic abuse incidents, falling from 534 to 504.

“The reduction in domestic abuse crimes in the past year is welcome, however, we continue to work with our partners in education, social work, health and the third sector to encourage the reporting of incidents to ensure we provide support and protection to those who need it.”

Figures also show the number of homes being broken into reduced by 25, from 122 to 97.

However, the detection rate, although up five per cent, remains low at 23 per cent.

“Detecting those responsible for housebreaking can at times be difficult and protracted,” Mr McQuilter said. “However, with the skills of the attending officers in preserving the scene, capturing forensic evidence and support from our specialist teams, we have improved the ability to detect those responsible for these crimes.”