Police to mount extra patrols to crack down on antisocial behaviour in Fairhill

Dec 1 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE have vowed to mount extra patrols in Fairhill in a crackdown on antisocial behaviour and youth disorder.

Community officers have been carrying out additional patrols in the area over the last few weekends and these will continue until the end of the year.

Last weekend, three youths were reported for consuming alcohol in a public place.

A number of incidents were reported over the weekend in the Fairhill area.

Numerous calls were received in relation to disorder on Friday night after a man was seriously assaulted in Arden Terrace at 8.30pm on Friday.

Also on Friday evening, two people were reported for possession of an offensive weapon and for acting in a threatening and abusive manner.

Inspector Gillian Scott, of Hamilton Community Policing, said: “Antisocial behaviour crimes will not be tolerated within the communities of Hamilton, and indeed in South Lanarkshire.

“We are aware of the incidents in the Fairhill area during the weekend and we continue to deal with these robustly.”

Over the past few years, Strathclyde Police, South Lanarkshire Council and partner agencies have joined forces to tackle antisocial behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence in the Fairhill area.

Police say a problem-solving approach can reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour and disorder, whilst promoting an increased feeling of community wellbeing and reducing the fear of crime.

Hamilton Problem Solving Group agreed that antisocial behaviour in Fairhill required to be addressed by a multi-agency action plan and provided finance to allow additional patrols to be carried out.

Joint visits have been carried out to local licence holders by Strathclyde Police, trading standards and community wardens to advise them of the initiative and its objectives.

Bottles in a selection of licensed premises have been marked in a bid to cut out under-age drinking and other alcohol-related problems.

Antisocial Investigation Team officers have carried out door-to-door enquiries in relation to obtaining information and intelligence from residents in relation to specific individuals.

Police said the aim of this joint operation is to prevent, disrupt and identify those people involved in antisocial behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence, apprehend the offenders and deal effectively with any possible problems with licensed premises.

Inspector Scott added: “We are currently adopting a multi-agency approach with our partners in this area to reduce instance of antisocial behaviour, and would like to reassure the public that any reports made to the police will be thoroughly investigated.

“We will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in the area and would urge residents to report any antisocial behaviour to the police in order that this may be dealt with.”

Anyone with information on who may have been responsible for the recent incidents should get in touch with the police on 483300 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Inspector Scott went on: “The information received from residents is vital in allowing us to address antisocial behaviour in their area.”