Town-centre crime falls during festive ‘safer streets’ blitz

Feb 21 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

CRIME levels in Hamilton Town Centre dropped by 25 per cent over the festive period.

The findings come from an audit undertaken by the South Lanarkshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) as part of the ‘Safer Streets’ initiative carried out throughout December and January.

Approximately £40,000 of Scottish Government funding was awarded to the CSP to help reduce town centre alcohol-related violence and disorder during those months

Money was spent on a wide range of measures, including taxi marshalling, public toilet facilities, improved lighting and CCTV coverage.

There was also an increased police presence in the town.

The detailed figures, released this week, show:

Serious assault down 83 per cent.

Public urination down 78 per cent.

Simple assault down 52 per cent.

Breach of the peace down 46 per cent.

Vandalism down 43 per cent.

In addition, detection figures showed a marked increase, with those stopped for carrying an offensive weapon up by 266 per cent and those stopped for possessing drugs by 118 per cent.

The perception of those who visit the town was also evaluated by the CSP with 62 per cent. of respondents indicating they felt Hamilton had a ‘safer atmosphere’.

More than 50 per cent. of people felt that the level of anti-social incidents had reduced and that the safety initiative had made a personal difference to them.

Inspector Jack McLean of Strathclyde Police said: “The festive season saw many thousands of residents and visitors to Hamilton enjoy a very safe and enjoyable Christmas period.

“Without the support and co-operation of the general public, we would not have such a safe town as we have today.”

Lynn Adams, licensee of the George Bar in Hamilton and current president of the Strathclyde Licensed Trade Association, was also impressed with the results.

She said: “The introduction of the portaloos and taxi marshals this year proved to be extremely worthwhile.

“It is vital that we find the funding for these services to continue every weekend throughout the year as these simple but effective measures provide a social benefit to the community as a whole.”