Anti-social operation launched at city park
Police in Stirling have launched an anti-social behaviour crackdown at the city’s King’s Park.
Officers this week kicked off Operation Nippet which is to run until Sunday, May 9.
The operation has been set up to tackle reports of increased anti-social behaviour incidents taking place within the popular park.
The main aim of the operation is to disrupt, deter and reduce anti-social behaviour, reassure the local community whilst improving the quality of life for local residents and people who visit the park and ultimately create a safe environment for everyone.
The local policing team will work with partners at Stirling Council to carry out joint increased high visibility foot and cycle patrols within the park over the next month.
In addition, the local School Based Police Officers and youth workers will deploy to King’s Park to engage with young people to highlight the impact of ASB on the local residents and environment.
Stirling Community Sergeant Alex Hatrick said: “I would like reassure the community the local policing team is committed to dealing with and preventing anti-social behaviour taking place within King’s Park.
“Can I also please take this opportunity to remind people alcohol should not be consumed within the park and people should be complying with the current government guidelines in relation to gatherings outdoors.
“There will be an increased police presence over the next month within the park and I would encourage anyone who is experiencing anti-social behaviour to contact the police on 101 or if nonurgent contact the local ward officers; Constable’s Ross Barclay and Pam King on stirlingwestcpt@scotland.pnn.police.uk.”
The move comes after officers were forced to disperse large gatherings of youths at the park over the Easter weekend.
The Stirling Observer last week told how at one point there were believed to have been as many as 200 youths gathered there and acted in an anti-social manner, including underage drinking.
At the time, Stirling Community Inspector Lynsey Kidd said: “Officers responded quickly and professionally to calls about these issues, moving on and dispersing a number of people who were
“The local police team is working in partnership with Stirling Council youth services team and our school beat officers continue to engage with their respective schools, highlighting the impact anti-social behaviour has on the local community.”