Cops take on every kind of anti-social scourge
Stirling Area Commander, Chief Inspector Gill Boulton, gives an update on latest moves to tackle antisocial behaviour.
I would like to give you an update on the Stirling City Centre Dispersal Order.
I mentioned its introduction a few weeks ago just before the‘go live’date and now that it’s been in existence for just over a month.
Over the past four weeks, we have dispersed 43 people. In some cases these are the same people who have been identified as being involved in antisocial behaviour on more than one occasion.
The order only allows officers to disperse groups of two or more, congregating and behaving anti-socially. These individuals will be directed to leave the area and not return within 24 hours.
We are working with Alcohol and Drug Partnership to ensure that where any vulnerable persons are identified that they are directed to all the services available to them.
Feedback from residents, business owners and visitors to the city centre has been largely positive and we hope that by educating those who frequent the city as to what is acceptable behaviour that we will continue to reduce incidences of antisocial behaviour and encourage people to enjoy all that Stirling has to offer.
I’ve just endured my first early morning scraping of the car windscreen so it seemed like a good time to remind people about a crime which has occurred in previous years.
‘Frosting’, as it has become known, is when thieves target vehicles which have been left unattended in the driveway or the street for a few minutes in order to defrost.
Whilst it is imperative that you take the time to ensure your windows are clear of ice before driving, if your car is stolen under such circumstances, you run the risk of your insurance company refusing to compensate you for the loss as the vehicle was unlocked and unattended.
On a similar theme the area has seen consistent reporting of insecure pedal cycles from public locations, gardens and communal areas.
Please can you consider the purchase of a chain or padlock which can be used to secure your property.
We also continue to see reports of thefts from insecure vehicles from outside home addresses and when left in car parks etc. In many cases property has been left on open display and it takes a matter of seconds to try a door handle and remove small items.