The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Police increase efforts to tackle youth crime
Police are stepping up efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour in Aberdeen. The force has joined Aberdeen City Council and Tesco to come up with solutions to prevent youths from causing trouble.
These include more regular police patrols as well as setting up a “safe space” for youngsters at Tesco in Sheddocksley.
It comes after a number of incidents in recent months, where young people were reported to have been “running around, fighting or causing disruption”.
Locals have also claimed antisocial behaviour has been “getting worse”.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said the project is already proving successful in diverting youngsters from such behaviour.
“Where work such as this has taken place in our city, we have seen huge reductions in harmful behaviours,” he said.
“Young people have taken ownership of the design, build and running of this space.
“This has not only given them important life skills but also confidence in their own abilities and pride in their area.”
Ch Insp Bruce added the police are acutely aware of the disruptive effect antisocial behaviour has on communities and are working hard to address it.
Locals have previously raised concerns about it being a “growing problem”, particularly around the city centre.
On Saturday, police were called to several fights on Union Street where rival football fans could be seen throwing punches and kicks while pushing and pulling each other.
A 20-year-old was later charged in connection with the incident.
Police also called for CCTV to be installed in Union Terrace Gardens “at the soonest” after a group of youths were filmed fighting underneath the lighting centrepiece on several occasions.
Ch Insp Bruce reassured residents they remain determined to find better solutions to discouraging antisocial behaviour.
He said: “It is worth stressing that the vast majority of young people do not come to the attention of police.
“But we know a small minority do sometimes become involved in antisocial behaviour and their actions can have a negative impact on the lives of local residents.
“We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.”
Members of the Community Planning Aberdeen (CPA) board joined officers on patrol during the evening of May 11 to see work being undertaken throughout the city.
Councillor Miranda Radley said she is “delighted” to see the partnership having positive results.
She added: “I am particularly pleased that the solutions we have devised ensure that children and young people join other stakeholders in our communities in having a central role in helping reduce anti-social behaviour.”