As we move right into the summer months now, and with the onset of the summer holidays, agencies across Dumfries and Galloway have been getting together to look at ways of reducing anti-social behaviour in the region at this time of year. A joint initiative, under the banner Operation ANTI – SOCIAL SUMMER launches on Monday 2 July 2018 for an eight week period. Police Scotland, working together with the Local Authority’s Community Safety Officers and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, will be out and about across the region to help ensure that everyone is able to enjoy a safe and secure summer.
Superintendent Linda Jones, Area Commander for Operational Policing in Dumfries and Galloway said, “This should be a great time of year for everyone for lots of reasons. With the good weather hopefully continuing, people are getting into the holiday spirit and our aim is to ensure that this time of year isn’t blighted by the few who always seem to want to spoil the party for the rest of the community.
“To that end we have been collaborating with our partners in the Local Authority and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to look at ways we can help keep, and make everyone feel safe over the coming weeks. Joint patrols between police officers, including our special constables and Community Safety Officers will take place across what we have all identified as ‘hot spots’ for anti-social behaviour.
“These patrols will be intelligence led and we will be proactive in tackling head on those whom we have identified as likely to cause, or get involved in anti-social behaviour. We want to send a clear message out that anti-social behaviour, in any form, will not be tolerated, and those found involved will be dealt with in a robust manner. Dumfries and Galloway is a great place to live and to visit for a holiday and we will work with all our partners to ensure that it stays that way, and that those living here, or just visiting, are kept as safe as they can be.
“Our plea to the public is therefore to let us know about any anti-social behaviour which they come across in the region. It is not acceptable that this type of behaviour is allowed to affect the quality of life of those in our communities across the region. Call us on the 101 number to report any form of anti-social behaviour, and through the 999 system if it deemed to be an emergency situation. Working together we can tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said, “This campaign is a superb example of how partnership working can benefit the entire community. I am a big believer in working with our partners, be it NHS, local community groups or on this occasion, Police Scotland.
“I look forward to seeing our Community Safety Officers out and about with the Police Officers in the hotspot areas for anti-social behaviour over the summer months. I would encourage the public to call Police Scotland on 101 or our Council on 030 33 33 3000 if they are victims of, or witness any anti-social behaviour taking place. ”
Councillor John Martin, who is Vice-Chair of the Communities Committee also commented,“Anti-Social behaviour can make the lives of our residents very difficult if it is not tackled at an early stage. Equally, some of the lower-level ASB is as a result of those committing it not even realising they’re doing anything wrong. This initiative will allow our officers to work side by side with Police Scotland to share knowledge and experience with the shared goal of reducing anti-social behaviour across Dumfries and Galloway this summer, and beyond.”
