Gary Fanning

Four CCTV cameras could be installed in Harestone Crescent in a bid to stamp out antisocial behaviour there.

Two cameras could be erected at the front and back of the flats.

And the council are looking at ways to improve the lighting and open up the area so that anyone causing antisocial behaviour can be identified.

The move emerged during a walkabout of the area with Wishaw councillors Sam Love and Frank McKay, Audrey Johnstone housing area manager for Wishaw, and John Appearson, the council’s property services manager.

Sergeant Alex Pllu, of Wishaw Police Office, told the Wishaw Press: “I spoke to some of the residents and there was a problem that people were too frightened to come to police and speak about it in fear of being targeted and in fear of reprisals.

“I looked into this with our partners and came up with a course of action that will prove more difficult for people who cause antisocial behaviour and make life better for the residents.

“In Harestone Crescent, we had reports of drugs misuse and last year we had an operation on a drug dealing house to clamp down on drinking and general disorder.”

Sergeant Pllu urged people not to suffer in silence and to call police and let them know what is going on in the area.

“If people phone in to the police and make us aware of what is going on, it gives us a better idea of when these incidents are happening. People don’t have to give their name and police won’t come to their door, but the police need to know so action can be taken.

“The police’s role is to identify those causing the antisocial behaviour and target them, carry out additional patrols and share information with partners, so that we can all work together to solve the problem.

“The message is that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable and we will do everything we can to make sure it stops. “CCTV is a tool to help us.” Audrey Johnstone, housing area manager for Wishaw, said: “At the request of councillor Sam Love, housing staff together with Police Scotland, visited Harestone Crescent, Wishaw, last week.

“We discussed how we’d work in partnership to benefit the area and its residents.

“Initial steps agreed include, upgrading lighting and cutting back trees and branches to make the area more secure.”