Police reassure shoppers over Bathgate town centre safety

Police have moved to reassure Bathgate shoppers and traders hit by anti-social behaviour that the town centre is safe.

Last summer shopkeepers reported a surge in thefts, and local people said they were being intimidated by a group of street drinkers gathering in the Steelyard and George Street pedestrian area.

That led to police joining trade groups and charities in the the town’s pedestrian area for a day of action, to target the problem and improve confidence among those using the area.

And they have said the result has been a drop in complaints – although the changing seasons have also played a part as foul weather in the early winter would have deterred people from gathering outside.

The issue was first raised at the town’s local area committee, where it was reported that groups of people were gathering on public seating in the town, drinking and sniffing lighter fuel. Shopkeepers spoke of being targeted by the street drinkers and some shops had seen widespread blatant shoplifting.

Speaking to this month’s meeting of the Public and Community Safety Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel, Chief Inspector Jocelyn O’Connor said: “The day of action was very well supported by partners.

“As a result there has been a significant reduction in calls in relation to anti-social behaviour locally and there has been no evidence to support the claims made of inappropriate behaviour in the area.”

A petition raised by shopkeepers in the summer led to police reinforcement in the shopping centre.