Police crackdown to make streets safer

Dec 31 2009 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

A POLICE crackdown on crime in a town’s troublespot has hit the streets in the run-up to the New Year.

Teams of officers are targeting antisocial behaviour, as well as vandalism, stone throwing and street disorder.

They are also focusing on drug dealing – with any council tenants convicted running the risk of being booted out of their home.

The extra officers are out and about in Barrhead’s Dunterlie area where a number of young people have been linked with trouble.

East Renfrewshire Council and housing association bosses have teamed up with police and community wardens to make sure everyone can enjoy the holiday period without having to put up with crime and antisocial behaviour.

The new drive builds on the success of a similar crackdown a few months ago.

East Renfrewshire’s housing convener Councillor Danny Devlin said: “The exercise is designed to ensure that the small minority, which might try to spoil the holiday period for the majority of tenants and residents in Dunterlie, doesn’t get the chance to do that.

“We’re repeating our eviction warning to drug dealers. They have no place in Dunterlie or East Renfrewshire.”

Community safety convener Councillor Mary Montague said: “This is a good example of all the agencies working together to boost community safety.

“Antisocial behaviour has no place in Dunterlie or in any of our communities and the inter-agency patrols will be keen to hear from anyone with concerns so they can take immediate action.”

Community policing inspector Campbell Crawford said: “We’re delighted to work with council and Barrhead Housing Association staff to make Dunterlie a safer place for everyone over the festive season and will deal robustly with anyone breaking the law.”

There is a free and confidential ring-and-report helpline available 24 hours on 0800 013 0076 and residents should use it to report any concerns.