Campaign aids in crime fight

Jun 17 2009 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE Advertiser’s Nae Bother campaign in Townhead has been voted a big success.

Several months ago certain areas in Townhead were experiencing ongoing levels of anti-social problems.

Monklands Police launched a public reassurance strategy to focus on these issues and work very closely with the residents in the area to establish what their priorities are.

The elected members and partner agencies have all made a significant contribution and have remained in close contact with community members allowing them to provide regular feedback which has been positive.

The three main priorities identified by local residents were youth disorder, drugs and speeding motorists and the different agencies have worked closely together in delivering a joined up approach.

Additional police patrols have been in place and anti-social behaviour warnings have been issued to a number of individuals along with several households being visited by housing officers.

A One Stop Shop has been held on three occasions in the Townhead area and very successful clean-up operations have been carried out.

Community events have been held for the children and a plan is in place for more activities over the school holidays.

As part of the overall process, in the past six weeks Strathclyde Police, along with their partner agencies, have introduced the Nae Bother campaign in Townhead and the local Tenants and Residents’ Association have been heavily involved. The mobile football pitch has been located in Townhead on a Friday night for a six-week period and dozens of young people have used the resource.

During the campaign there has been a great sense of community spirit which played an important part in the work done and the achievements made.

Police executed two drug search warrants resulting in people being charged with drugs dealing. Arrests for anti-social offences have increased by 300% and vandalism is down by 50%.

There have been 15 tickets issued for road traffic offences, a number of them for speeding and 22 warrants have been executed.

Angela McCluskey, chairperson of Townhead Tenants and Residents’ Association said: “Having the police presence here has made a huge difference to the local residents and crime has fallen. People feel more reassured when they see bobbies on the beat.

“We had big problems with anti-social behaviour but that has gone down.”

Monklands Police Superintendent Henry Campbell said: “The feedback from the people of Townhead has been very encouraging and confirms we are doing the right things at the right times to make Townhead a safer place for all the community members.The residents were clearly at a point where they had experienced enough anti social activity and I would thank them on behalf of all the agencies involved for their support.

“Problems will not be solved overnight and this is a long term initiative where everyone, especially local residents have a part to play. The figures tells us we are going in the right direction and this is a strong starting point from which we can all move forward together.

“ I would also like the thank The Advertiser for supporting us in our actions. It is all important that community members in Coatbridge are aware of our committment to delivering better communities."

Sergeant Gordon Robertson said: “All the agencies involved are in for the long haul and we will continue to work vigorously in the area. I feel the residents understand what we are trying to achieve and would encourage them to continue to play their part in addressing these matters by working with all the agencies involved .”

If you have any information on criminal activity in Townhead or elsewhere please phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CAMPAIGN SUCCESS: l-r, back – Sergeant Gordon Robertson, Inspector Colin Wylie, front – Superintendent Henry Campbell and Angela McCluskey.TDACA120609town-1