Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Residents defiant
Shock figures show number of assaults in Maryfield ward
New figures show that 620 crimes were reported in the area over a three-month period — more than double the total for any other council ward.
The tally included 132 common assaults and 20 serious assaults between July and September this year.
The area also had 83 incidents of vandalism — the highest of any council area in Dundee.
But residents in the area remain defiant and say it may be a case of people feeling willing to report more crimes.
A recent community meeting highlighted the crime figures.
The Tele spoke to folk in Maryfield about the latest police statistics.
Resident Wendy Sturrock, 38, who runs the Forte cafe on Dura Street, said the figures could actually represent increased confidence in the police.
She said: “I don’t think there are as many problems as there used to be.
“I think it’s people who aren’t from the area who are causing bother — not the residents.
“It could be that people are reporting more things to the police.
“You see more visible police in the area.
“Maybe it’s that people are more willing to come forward than they were before.”
Pearl Christie, 74, a resident of Crescent Lane, said: “It is bad in certain areas of Maryfield but I’m not too worried about it. However, it is pretty bad at the top of Albert Street.”
George Cushnie, 33, a resident of Cunningham Street, said: “I’m not really surprised but I would have thought the levels would have been the same as other areas.”
Coldside had the next highest number of assaults, recording 83, while Lochee had 71. The Ferry had 23 common assaults, the lowest of the wards.
MARYFIELD has been revealed as the “crime capital” of Dundee.