Anti-social behaviour crackdown in Greenock town centre
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to clampdown on issues such as anti-social behaviour and drunkenness in Greenock town centre.
Local police officers are leading the charge against problems affecting West Stewart Street in partnership with Inverclyde Council, Community Wardens, and charity Crimestoppers.
Complaints have been raised with the authorities about an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area and issues with alcohol and drugs affecting people, in particular, vulnerable groups.
The campaign also extends to nearby Kilblain Street and other parts of the town centre.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of Inverclyde Council’s Education & Communities Committee, said: “This is a good example of how the council, along with our partners at Police Scotland, is listening to the concerns of people in Greenock town centre and taking positive action to address those concerns.
“Officers and our Community Wardens are increasing patrols in West Stewart Street, and in neighbouring Kilblain Street, to give public reassurance as well as speaking to people about their issues and letting them know how they can report problems like anti-social behaviour.
“In addition to contacting the authorities directly, people can phone Crimestoppers in the strictest of confidence.”
The campaign launched at the start of March and runs until the end of the month.
Staff from the council’s Community Wardens service, alongside officers from Greenock Police Station, were on hand this week to speak to passers-by in West Stewart Street about their concerns.
The campaign is a multi-agency approach and has also included the likes of the local authority’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) team, who have been speaking to young people via the iYouthZone on nearby Nicolson Street, Your Voice and local businesses and charities.
Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly, area commander for Inverclyde, said: "Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council’s Community Wardens service are running a multi-agency campaign in the West Stewart Street and Kilblain Street areas of Greenock town centre in response to complaints received regarding anti-social behaviour.
“The campaign will run until the end of March and is aimed at engaging members of the public and traders, offering information on Crimestoppers and support services within Inverclyde. This action will be combined with routine patrols targeting criminality and anti-social behaviour and where necessary arrests will be made.
“Most of the issues identified are linked to persons with problematic substance use. However, many of the people frequenting this area are vulnerable and are being exploited by drug dealers and money lenders. They are at a greater risk of drug related harm or even death and in need of support.
“Police Scotland has invited a number of support agencies to come along to West Stewart Street over the next few weeks to participate in this campaign to help some of Inverclyde's most vulnerable people."
To get involved with the campaign, use the hashtag #ReduceHarm on Twitter and other social media channels.
Contact Police Scotland on 101, call Community Wardens on 0800 01 317 01 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by phoning 0800 555 111.