Arbroath a particular concern amid rise in anti-social behaviour

Crime: Scale of problem revealed in report by police chief

Police are battling a rising tide of vandalism in Arbroath as recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour soar across Angus to more than 6,000 in the past year.

The scale of the problem has been highlighted in a report by Chief Superintendent Paul Anderson of Police Scotland placed before Angus Council’s scrutiny and audit committee.

There are fears a rise in recorded crimes will follow and Councillor Derek Wann, the local authority’s convener of children and learning, called for “drastic action”.

In the report, Mr Anderson said: “The overall number of disorder complaints has risen 2.3% to 4,741 recorded incidents.

“Aligned to this, reports of anti-social behaviour have increased by 1,058 to a total of 6,292 reported incidents.

“

This type of activity drives crimes like vandalism which remain high at around 800 incidents with a detection rate of 30.1%. CH SUPT PAUL ANDERSON

“These incidents are most significantly felt in Arbroath where youth-related disorder is a particular issue. If underlying incidents remain at the same level this will lead to an increase in recorded crimes. This type of activity drives crimes like vandalism which remain high at around 800 incidents with a detection rate of 30.1%.”

A number of serious issues of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have been reported in the town, including broken farm polytunnels, a shelter at Victoria Park which suffered more than £1,000 worth of damage and repeated acts of vandalism reported on social media at the Ernest Street allotments.

Inspector Gary Aitken said: “We are aware of the increase and are working with partner agencies to address the issue. The majority of young people in Arbroath never come to the attention of the police, but unfortunately there is a minority that get involved in anti-social behaviour or disorder.”

Mr Wann said: “It is very concerning to see this increase in vandalism and I have asked in the past that parents attempt to ensure they know what their children are up to of an evening.”

He added: “If more education is needed then this needs to be looked at and I will bring this up at council.”