Cops working to stop antisocial behaviour in park
Calls have been made for cops to clamp down on an “emerging trend”of antisocial behaviour in Renfrew, writes Steph Brawn, Local Democracy Reporter.
Councillor Jane Strang has raised concerns about youths setting bins on fire and windows being broken in the Nethergreen area, while the community council has highlighted fears over eggs being thrown at cars, buses and children in and around Robertson Park.
Police have insisted they are following up leads with some local schoolkids who they believe may be responsible for some incidents and have said CCTV is set to be installed at the park.
However, officers have maintained the anti-social behaviour reports they’ve received recently have been “low-level”and they are not worried about any patterns forming.
Councillor Strang, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead, said:“I am appalled at these anti-social behaviour incidents which have been brought to my attention.
“Our community should be a safe place to live, yet we are seeing bins being set on fire and dumped as well as windows being broken which is completely unacceptable.
“Unfortunately it is part of a rising trend right now of anti-social behaviour in this ward which must be clamped down on.
“We need to see an increase in the number of police officers on patrol in the community in order to send the strongest possible message that this behaviour is being seriously tackled.”
Chief Inspector Jim Cast, area commander for Renfrewshire, said installing CCTV at Robertson Park had been on the cards for a while but had been delayed due to the pandemic.
He insisted officers will continue to work with schools and parents to stress vandalism is unacceptable and extra patrols have been focusing on the park.
But he admitted his team had higher priorities with new responsibilities being placed on them, such as breaking up house parties.
Warnings were given to more than 100 people caught out at house parties across Renfrewshire breaking Covid-19 regulations between September 26 and October 8.
These rule breaches were branded as“unacceptable ”by police.
ChInsp Cast said:“We are aware of low-level anti-social behaviour occurring around the skate park over the last few weeks.
“This includes youths throwing eggs at passing buses. “No damage has been reported from this and it is often the case the youths disperse quickly on sight of police.
“We have tasked out patrols to focus on this area with support from community wardens.
“In relation to wilful fireraising, there is only one crime report raised from the beginning of September which was in relation to a bin set on fire near to the bowling green.
“Two other fires were deemed to be rubbish fires and non-reportable after advice from the fire service. However, any fire is treated seriously and we are keen to hear about any information the public have.
“We are following up on a few leads with local school children who may be responsible for recent anti-social behaviour. We will work with the schools and parents to reinforce the message this type of behaviour is not acceptable. Longer term, CCTV will be going into the park.
“The sooner this happens the safer it will be for all.”