1/7/2008Police step up purge on park neds
POLICE are to step up patrols in a Glasgow park in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour by teenagers.
Officers have had an increase in reports of neds hanging around and causing trouble in Tollcross Park, in the city's East End.
The police action comes as the city's youngsters stop school for the summer break.
And threatening behaviour by the thugs has meant some local families are now too frightened to use the park.
Officers said that in the last few weeks incidents of youths hanging around the football pitches, drinking and causing general disruption have risen.
Although Tollcross Park is generally a safe place to use, police have found there is small minority responsible for the intimidating behaviour.
It is the latest such initiative in the area following April's crackdown involving police from Shettleston, Baillieston and Greater Easterhouse.
Superintendent Michelle Martin, who is based at Shettleston Police Office, said: "Groups of youths gathering and getting involved in nuisance behaviour frightens local residents, some of whom are now scared to go into the park.
"The park has extensive CCTV cameras, so the chances are we will have footage of the culprits.
"We will continue to monitor CCTV to obtain evidence of those causing the bother.
"Officers will also regularly patrol the park on foot and on bicycles and we will work in conjunction with our partner agencies to take a pro-active approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour."
She stressed that the disturbing incidents which have plagued local people would not be tolerated by the police.
She added: "My officers are continually working to make our communities safer."
Three months ago hundreds of people were arrested in Glasgow during a major crackdown on antisocial behaviour.
More than 600 have been detained in the East End over the past six months for offences including gang disorder, carrying weapons and drinking in the streets.
Police revealed it had reduced nuisance crime in the area by 7%.
Violent crime has also dropped 5% to the lowest level for five years.
The areas targeted as part of the enhanced policing plan include Baillieston, Shettleston and Easterhouse.
Its aim was to reduce crime through high visibility policing and alternative activities for youngsters.
Since October last year, officers have carried out searches for drugs, weapons and alcohol, and visited licensed premises to ensure they are not selling alcohol to minors.
Anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour in Tollcross park is asked to call the police on 0141 532 4800.
Officers have had an increase in reports of neds hanging around and causing trouble in Tollcross Park, in the city's East End.
The police action comes as the city's youngsters stop school for the summer break.
And threatening behaviour by the thugs has meant some local families are now too frightened to use the park.
Officers said that in the last few weeks incidents of youths hanging around the football pitches, drinking and causing general disruption have risen.
Although Tollcross Park is generally a safe place to use, police have found there is small minority responsible for the intimidating behaviour.
It is the latest such initiative in the area following April's crackdown involving police from Shettleston, Baillieston and Greater Easterhouse.
Superintendent Michelle Martin, who is based at Shettleston Police Office, said: "Groups of youths gathering and getting involved in nuisance behaviour frightens local residents, some of whom are now scared to go into the park.
"The park has extensive CCTV cameras, so the chances are we will have footage of the culprits.
"We will continue to monitor CCTV to obtain evidence of those causing the bother.
"Officers will also regularly patrol the park on foot and on bicycles and we will work in conjunction with our partner agencies to take a pro-active approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour."
She stressed that the disturbing incidents which have plagued local people would not be tolerated by the police.
She added: "My officers are continually working to make our communities safer."
Three months ago hundreds of people were arrested in Glasgow during a major crackdown on antisocial behaviour.
More than 600 have been detained in the East End over the past six months for offences including gang disorder, carrying weapons and drinking in the streets.
Police revealed it had reduced nuisance crime in the area by 7%.
Violent crime has also dropped 5% to the lowest level for five years.
The areas targeted as part of the enhanced policing plan include Baillieston, Shettleston and Easterhouse.
Its aim was to reduce crime through high visibility policing and alternative activities for youngsters.
Since October last year, officers have carried out searches for drugs, weapons and alcohol, and visited licensed premises to ensure they are not selling alcohol to minors.
Anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour in Tollcross park is asked to call the police on 0141 532 4800.