Perth and Kinross Council and Police Scotland are strengthening their response to anti-social behaviour with additional patrols, new enforcement staff and increased resources aimed at making communities safer and more welcoming.
The enhanced measures form part of a coordinated partnership approach involving Perth and Kinross Council, Police Scotland and other local agencies to address concerns raised by residents and businesses.
As part of the initiative, two Police Scotland officers are now carrying out daily patrols in Perth city centre on weekdays, providing a highly visible presence, supporting local businesses and residents, and responding quickly to emerging issues.
The Council has also recently recruited new Community Support and Enforcement Officers and these will allow us to increase patrols across communities throughout Perth and Kinross from August.
Additional resources are also being directed towards environmental improvements, with extra street cleaning patrols planned in key locations and investment being considered in new equipment to help keep streets and vennels clean, safe and welcoming.
Council Leader Councillor Eric Drysdale said: "We understand the concerns being raised by residents and businesses about anti-social behaviour, and we want to be absolutely clear that nobody should have to live in fear or feel unsafe in their own community.
"We are working closely with a wide range of partners, including Police Scotland, to strengthen how we prevent and respond to anti-social behaviour. Additional resources are now being deployed to patrol areas known for anti-social behaviour and to address issues quickly and effectively when they arise.
"We are making the best use of these additional resources by working closely with our partners and focusing our efforts where they can have the greatest impact.
"The introduction of two city centre police officers will provide a visible presence, a direct point of contact for residents, businesses and visitors, and additional reassurance for people using the city centre.
"This enhanced police presence is being complemented by the recruitment of new Community Support and Enforcement Officers, allowing us to increase Council patrols and strengthen our presence in communities across Perth and Kinross. We also work closely with our education colleagues to identify young people who may be displaying problematic behaviour, enabling early intervention, engagement with parents or guardians and support to help prevent issues from escalating.
"Tackling anti-social behaviour is about more than enforcement alone. It is also about creating places where people feel proud to live, work and visit. Through continued partnership working, targeted interventions and ongoing engagement with local communities, we remain committed to making Perth and Kinross safer for everyone."
Councillor Drysdale added: "Recently, senior council officials and I also had a helpful meeting with the First Minister, senior police officers and representatives of local retailers to continue discussing the particular challenge of increased retail crime.
"It's important to stress that this and antisocial behaviour issues are unfortunately becoming more prevalent across the country, and not confined to any one area. However, it is incumbent on us as a local authority to focus on the issues in Perth and Kinross, to encourage close multi-agency working across government, the criminal justice system, and Police Scotland not just on enforcement and deterrence but crucially also on addressing the causes within our society.
"This is what we are doing and we, and Police Scotland colleagues are absolutely committed to ongoing and increased collaboration."
Chief Inspector Jamie Allen of Police Scotland said: "Anti-social behaviour can have a significant effect on communities and we know that visible policing plays an important role in providing reassurance and building confidence. That is why we have introduced two police officers who will patrol Perth city centre on a daily basis, providing a consistent and highly visible presence.
"These officers will engage directly with local businesses, residents and visitors, act as a clear point of contact for anyone with concerns and help us identify and respond quickly to emerging issues. They will also build relationships with those who live and work in the city centre, helping us to better understand local concerns and target resources where they are needed most.
"Tackling anti-social behaviour requires a partnership approach. We will continue to work closely with Perth and Kinross Council and other agencies to address hotspots, support vulnerable people and take appropriate action against those responsible for causing harm or distress within our communities.
"By providing this city centre presence, we are also helping to ensure that the Council's Community Safety and Enforcement Officers can focus their efforts on supporting communities elsewhere across Perth and Kinross. Together, we are committed to making our communities safer and ensuring residents, businesses and visitors feel supported and protected."
The additional measures form part of a wider strategy that combines prevention, early intervention, community engagement and enforcement, recognising that anti-social behaviour is a complex issue that requires a coordinated and sustained response.
