It’s time to let police know

Anti-social behaviour is not being reported

Local police chiefs and councillors have urged members of the public to report instances of antisocial behaviour in east Perthshire.

The move came at the most recent meeting of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council when it emerged that under-reporting of anti-social behaviour is a “real issue”.

Speaking at the meeting, held in Rattray Hall, Conservative councillor for Blairgowrie and Glens, Caroline Shiers, said: “I met with Police Scotland and housing officers from Perth and Kinross Council and it seems there is a real issue of under-reporting of antisocial behaviour.

“We know incidents are happening but no one is letting the police or the council know so resources are not then allocated to tackling the issues.

“It is worth highlighting that people can report issues anonymously if they are concerned about the potential repercussions of reporting incidents.

“People can also report issues to their community wardens.”

And SNP councillor for the ward, Tom McEwan, added: “I think anonymity is the most

important part of this people are often scared of retribution.”

Blairgowrie-based Police Scotland inspector Gordon Thomson was also at the community council meeting.

He said: “We need to look at alternative ways to encourage people to report issues.

“Members of the public are encouraged to go to the Police Scotland website where they can get contact details for the local police community officers.

“If they would prefer not to leave their name or details they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously to report an issue.

“Crimestoppers is a charity and because of that the police are accountable to them.

“All the calls they receive are graded in terms of urgency and the police have to evidence how they have responded to a call.”

At the meeting it was pointed out by members of the community council that not everyone had access to the internet or were keen to pick up the phone as they were frightened of the repercussions of doing so. It was also commented on that calling the Police Scotland 101 number was “very frustrating”.

Calling for a bigger police presence in the town it was pointed out that some people even rely on the community council to report issues to councillors and the police on their behalf.

Inspector Thomson said that the crime rate in Blairgowrie was relatively low.

He said: “The crime in Blairgowrie is not huge, in general it is low level, it’s antisocial behaviour.

“There is a police presence here but as a local resident myself, we choose to live here because it is safe.

“Between January 14 and July this year there were no house break-ins in the area.

“We need local information though, if you hear about something then report it - if you phone it in then it gets recorded.

“We have a huge recording system, your call may not get actioned immediately but if there’s a pattern then we will get them.”

He added: “In some areas housing officers can act on behalf of residents.”

Non-urgent crime can be reported by contacting 101 or emailing Tayside-Blairgowrie GlensCPT@Scotland.pnn. police.uk

Alternatively, to report an issue anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.