Arrests over anti-social behaviour

is Castle Street, near the ‘bottom cross’ in Hamilton.

Over the summer, several complaints were made by local business owners in the area. We have made arrests and returned young people home to charge them in the presence of their parents.

It is often our experience that parents do not always know how their children are behaving when with friends out with the home environment.

Indeed, their understanding of where their children are, and who they are with, is often incorrect.

I ask all parents whose children frequent this area to advise them of police concerns and ensure they are not engaging in anti-social behaviour.

The issue has also been raised with Christina Mckelvie MSP, who visited the area with my officers, and listened to the concerns of local business owners.

CCTV provision in the area has been improved and officers will continue to provide additional patrols.

Another area which has seen an increase in police presence is the Burnbank Centre in Hamilton. This is in response to serious violence, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour. In recent weeks we have carried out numerous additional patrols, made several arrests and executed a number of drug search warrants at nearby properties.

These efforts will be continuing and we will continue to work with our partners in South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Fire and Rescue, and will also maintain the additional patrols.