Council boss outlines how problems are being tackled
A council boss said they are working with police to reduce crime in the north of Ayr.
And the local authority say a project aimed at young people has slashed complaints of youth disorder by 55 per cent.
Claire Monaghan, the council’s head of communities, said: “We work very closely with partners like Police Scotland and communities across South Ayrshire to ensure people feel safe and supported at home as well as out and about within their local community.
“While our colleagues in Police Scotland lead on tackling any criminal behaviour, we play an active role where we can.
“In the Wallacetoun area in particular, we have been working with the police on a ‘ Prevention First’ initiative.
“This is a targeted approach to identifying and changing the environment and conditions that drive crime and offending behaviour.
“The aims of this are to improve lifestyle choices, keep communities safe, reduce offending and support communities to reach their full potential.
“We also deliver an extensive programme of community safety activities across north Ayr included targeted use of both our staff and resources like CCTV, which both act as a deterrent and help in evidence- gathering where we can take enforcement action.
“For example, targeted work like this to address youth disorder in the Wallacetoun area – which also included diversionary activities for young people – contributed to a 55 per cent reduction in youthrelated complaints in the area.
“This shows that our approach achieves clear and positive results for communities.”
Ms Monaghan said the council and their partner agencies will continue to work hard to make the community safer for residents.
She said: “We’ve also delivered award- winning projects like FEVA – Freestyle Environmental Visual Audit – which engages pupils in identifying environmental issues in their local area and helps address specific community safety and antisocial behaviour issues at a local level.
“It’s made a real difference and empowered local communities to tackle the issues that affect them.
“We’ve also created information packs on topics like fire safety and worked with schools to engage not just with our young people, but with their parents and carers too.
“Key to all of this is ensuring that everyone plays their part – community planning partners, local groups and organisations, and – crucially – local people themselves.
“I can assure everyone that we use all available resources to support local people to build pride and value within our local communities.” Claire Monaghan