Yobs told behave or be `dispersed’
New powers to tackle antisocial behaviour
Police patrolling Stirling city centre are to be given extra powers in their efforts to crack down on antisocial behaviour.
Dispersal zones are to set up in which officers will be able to split up gatherings of two or more people and order anyone behaving in a yobbish way to leave the area for at least 24 hours, or face arrest.
The dispersal zones cover the area bounded by Goosecroft Road to the east, Stirling Castle Esplanade to the north, Dumbarton Road to the west and Upper Craigs to the south. The zones will be in operation 24 hours a day, from 7am, on October 3rd.
The move comes after a recent crackdown on crime called Operation Steadfast which traders in the city claimed was not as successful as official figures suggested. There are concerns that the dispersal initiative may just move criminals around rather than solving the problem.
Superintendent Mark Lundie said: “We are confident that this dispersal zone will enable us to robustly tackle antisocial behaviour, general disorder and drug misuse which we have begun to blight the centre of Stirling.
“We have seen an increase in people gathering and causing a nuisance to those who wish to use the city centre for work and leisure, and residents. This behaviour is largely displayed under the influence of drugs and alcohol and we have seen people shouting and swearing, urinating in public, and consuming illicit substances.
“The Dispersal Zone allows us to move on people who are causing a nuisance. I hope that it will make these streets safer and help people to feel safer there. Anyone who is banned will receive a copy of the map so that it is clear where they should not be and they will be arrested and put before the courts if they are found to have returned to continue the same behaviour.”
Ewen Duncan, of Europa Music in Friars Street, described the use of dispersal zones as ‘progress’ following his calls for a crackdown on yobs affecting businesses.
He said: “I welcome this police move as it is a step in the right direction but to be honest I’d like to see measures like permanent Asbos being placed on certain individuals because of the regular trouble they are inflicting. The dispersal zones are only for a threemonth trial - but it’s worth doing. Anything that happens to move these people on is a step forward.”
Ying Holwell, co-owner of the Friars Wynd Hotel, added:”There is a problem with groups of people drinking in the street throughout the city centre. I’m hopeful that this firmer police measure will actually make a difference. The threat of being arrested might make troublemakers think twice about where they are gathering. Up until now nothing seems to have worked. We are in an historic city with trational shops and lovely architecture for residents and tourists. I hope the police use these powers to make the streets for the majority again.”
Supt Lundie continued: “I recognise concerns that we are simply moving on these people who are causing antisocial behaviour and disorder this is just one tool we can use to tackle the problem. We will continue to work closely with our partners in making the area less attractive for people to meet for these purposes, and ensuring that those who need help for drug and alcohol problems are signposted to support services.”
Councillor Maureen Bennison, convenor of Stirling Council’s public safety committee said: “Antisocial behaviour is a blight. It disrupts communities and can have a detrimental impact on business.
“Stirling City Centre has so much to offer our residents and visitors that it is crucial we protect our citizens and businesses to ensure it continues to thrive.
“Introducing this Dispersal Zone will give police the power to take swift action when needed and forms an important part of a range of actions we are taking in partnership to improve city centre safety.We know that these powers are not the sole solution, and work needs to be done to tackle this problem at its source, but it is a step in the right direction.”
It will operate until January 3, 2019.