Problem Solving (Youth Disorder) Oval, Prestwick
The problem
Through initial Problem Solving meetings involving local residents, Police and Elected
Members in the Oval area of Prestwick, it was established that the supply of alcohol
to under age young people, the consumption of alcohol in large intimidating groups,
and subsequent antisocial behaviour such as vandalism and fire raising in the surrounding
area were the main problems to be tackled.
The aims
Going through the problem solving process, it was established that the aim of any
interventions put in place would be to reduce the levels of complaint relating to
antisocial behaviour in the area to Strathclyde Police and SACs Community Safety
Service.
Interventions
Interventions thought up and agreed by the group were as follows:
- Environmental clean up/litter pick
- Planting of prohibitive shrubbery in strategic areas
- CSO deployment
- Targeted Police Action Plans
- Pursuit of individuals using ASB legislation
- Fire safety inputs at youth activities
- Diversionary activities
- Football
- Band Nights
- BMX Event
- Running
- Streetsport Express
Outcome
Complaints to Police and SACs Community Safety Service relating to youth disorder
dropped 84% when compared with the previous year. (2007 - 2008)
Residents staying in streets surrounding The Oval were delighted with the results
of the interventions put in place, some using phrases such as 'amazing' and 'it's
like night and day' when comparing the situation to previous years.
Update
This year saw a programme of diversionary events at The Oval being implemented in
an attempt to pre-empt some of the historic problems which traditionally occurred
during the summer months.
2009 again saw a large reduction in calls to Police and SACs Community Safety Service.
There have been 5 calls in total to the services, compared to over 100 during the
corresponding period in 2007.