Antisocial behaviour targeted as Scotland sees fall in crime

Despite seeing recorded crime in Scotland fall to its lowest level in almost a quarter of a century last year, the Scottish Executive has signalled that further action was needed to tackle the scourge of antisocial behaviour.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson announced a £1 million investment in Community Safety Partnerships to give 12 to 16 year-olds better access to sport and leisure activities during the summer holidays – when long, unsupervised days can lead a minority to become involved in petty crime and antisocial behaviour.

The funding boost will be available to all 32 Community Safety Partnerships in Scotland, each of which will decide what is required for their local area.

Ms Jamieson said: “We are making strides in helping people to feel safer in their homes and safer in their communities. But there is more to do. Serious crime is down but as today’s statistics show, communities are clearly still plagued by vandalism and other persistent forms of antisocial behaviour."

She added: "Today’s statistics demonstrate that the Executive is right to make antisocial behaviour a priority."

Proposals giving extra powers to authorities to tackle problem neighbours and plans to reform licensing legislation around principles that will help prevent crime, disorder and public nuisance are also in the pipeline.

(gmcg)