A joint initiative launched to tackle anti-social behaviour across Perth has reduced calls to the police from the public.
Tayside Police and council community wardens teamed up this summer to reassure the public and take steps to combat anti-social behaviour.
In recent weeks the joint tasking and patrolling has resulted in a reduction of over 30% in the number of calls received about youths causing annoyance across the Perth area.
There has also been a longer-term fall in reported vandalism and much of this success is ascribed to the intelligence-led partnership approach.
In recent months safer community wardens from Perth and Kinross Council and Tayside community police officers, have been working together to jointly resolve problems and engage with communities.
Community police officers and wardens are now briefed and tasked together regularly at police headquarters in Perth and receive comprehensive intelligence on daily issues that impact on the community.Detailed knowledgeBoth share their detailed local knowledge to ensure that the best efforts are made to reduce anti-social behaviour in Perth.
One of the joint projects has been an initiative called “street-a-week” where police officers and wardens patrol an area and call on households to listen to any concerns they may have and act quickly in partnership to implement solutions.
“This has seen us engaging with citizens on their own doorsteps and is about seeking first hand feedback,” said Inspector Ian Martin, the officer in charge of Perth section.
“This is an extremely valuable source of information and where people voice concerns, we can deal with that on our own, jointly with the wardens or in some cases refer the issue to other agencies.
“People have told us about problems they are experiencing like regular noise or nuisance but in many cases people have also been very complimentary about they service they receive from the council and police.
“The public we have visited have been delighted to see such a visible, reassuring presence and where problems have been reported to us, we are often able to go back very quickly to report a successful resolution.
With the onset of the school holidays, the joint patrolling and work will continue throughout to ensure that all people can enjoy a safe and enjoyable break.
Officers and wardens will be engaged on Operation Dry-up, aimed at tackling under-age drinking, and Operation Dorado, which focuses on reducing violent crime.