Preventing and addressing antisocial behaviour will be the focus of a new independently chaired working group being set up by the Scottish government.
The group will look at the current approach and make recommendations on what long-term changes can be made to reduce such behaviour and support victims. It is expected that the group will provide regular updates and present their conclusions to ministers by the end of 2024.
The formation of the new group follows the publication of a joint report on antisocial behaviour by the Scottish government and the Scottish Community Safety Network.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, who is bringing together the working group, said: “We want everyone to be, and feel, safe in their community and we are committed to tackling all forms of antisocial behaviour. Reported antisocial behaviour has broadly been in decline over the last decade, but the recent disorder on Bonfire Night, in particular, has shown that where issues arise, these can have a very serious impact for many people.
“The report published today recommends that we need to consider how we best develop our long-term approach to preventing and addressing this type of behaviour. That is why I will be convening an independently chaired working group. It is nearly 20 years since the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 was introduced and it is right that we examine whether this remains fit for purpose and that we assess our wider approach.
“I am grateful to those who took part in the engagement work with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Community Safety Network and shared their views and experience of antisocial behaviour. This report will inform the work of the new group.”
Joint co-chair Lorraine Gillies, Chief Officer at the Scottish Community Safety Network, added: “Ultimately, we believe victims will experience less antisocial behaviour with a changed approach, making our communities safer places. We believe in taking evidence-based approaches to what works to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, focused on tackling root causes and working together with communities to find solutions.”
Meanwhile, the ACS has welcomed the UK government’s focus on tackling serious crime in the Kings’ Speech, and has called on the government to clarify how measures in the Sentencing Bill will support retailers dealing with unprecedented levels of shop theft.
The Sentencing Bill outlining the government’s commitment to enforcing tougher sentences for the most serious offenders, while also introducing a presumption of suspended sentences for anyone sentenced to 12 months in prison or less.
The NFRN also welcomed the move and vowed to keep up the pressure on the government to provide grants to improve security in smaller shops.
