RESIDENTS UNITE TO RECLAIM STREETS
WE’RE SICK OF SMASHED BUS SHELTERS, BOOZE BOTTLES AND KIDS SMOKING DRUGS, SAYS UNDER-SIEGE MUM
DISORDER and vandalism by young people in some parts of Glasgow has soared by more than 200 per cent in the last year.
The figures released by Police Scotland show areas of Pollok have seen a rise of 202 per cent in youth disorder and crime since 2014/15.
Locals say they are sick of vandalism, smashed bus shelters, booze bottles and illegal substances littering their streets and parks.
Some say they have witnessed primary schoolage children smoking cannabis in public, while others are concerned about damage to their homes having had windows smashed.
Across Pollok, 271 incidents where young people have been the victims and suspects have been recorded in the last year; a rise of 45 per cent overall.
Almost half of these incidents come from one area covering the north of Silverburn, Brockburn Road, Leithland Road, Cornalee Road, Kempsthorn Crescent, Beltrees Crescent.
The Silverburn area has also seen a rise in youth disorder, with 45 incidents reported in 2015/16 as opposed to 20 the year before.
Rachel KazimiercazakJones, 31, has set up a dedicated Facebook page to help locals tackle the problems and help each other.
The mum-of-two said: “I was getting so annoyed walking my kids to school and nursery and seeing the bus stops were smashed all over the place, things damaged and de- stroyed. It can’t go on. I wanted to bring the community together.
“It means we can help each other out and we can be more forthcoming to report things.
“People are scared but we need to make a stand. It shouldn’t be happening.
“I’ve seen children, aged 10 or 11, rolling joints in the parks. By the smell its obvious. There has to be more things for kids to do.”
Police say they have increased patrols in the area but there is an urgent need for “activity-based diversion” to help address the problem permanently.
They admit i ncreased patrols can displace the issue to another beat where there is a reduced policing level. Chief Inspector Simon Jeacocke, who covers Pollok, said officers have been working with Glasgow Life and the council to set up activities for young people and have encouraged locals to contact 101 if they have concerns. He said: “It is generally children, under 16s, causing these problems. “St Monica’s school has seen an increase in incidents as it is the summer holidays, a number of windows have been smashed “When we identify these problematic areas we put targeted patrols into the area and build up a picture of who is responsible.” Councillor David McDonald, SNP councillor for Pollok, is holding a public meeting tonight to address the issue. He said: “The damage being caused in the community by a tiny minority of young people is clear to see and its spilling over into the lives of others. “From mud and stones bei n g thrown at windows, to a trail of smashed bus shelters across the community to vandalisms at local schools and shops. “This can’t continue. “I’ll be asking Police Scotland, Community Safety Glasgow and the City Council to work in partnership with the local community to come up with an effective plan to reduce crime and anti social behaviour, that targets those individuals involved but also one that helps local groups to develop more opportunities for young people in our community.”