This reduction in the spiralling youth disorder which has long plagued Milngavie and Bearsden has been welcomed this week by politicians and community groups.

The fall in acts of vandalism and gang disorder has been attributed to the successful combination of enforcement and diversionary tactics being employed at Milngavie police office.

MSP Des McNulty, the Crime Prevention Panel and councillors praised Inspector Bill Ross and his team on the upturn in youth behaviour which has resulted from the policy of targeting trouble spots from the enforcement perspective — combined with youth liaison on a variety of forums and community events.
Inspector Ross is delighted with the change in the attitude of young people since engaging with them for sessions such as softball in the park and pool in the community centre.

He said: "We are already feeling the benefits of these diversionary tactics which have helped to reinforce the relationships between the community officers and young people and I think it is manifesting itself in better behaviour and a greater understanding of people's personal space and respect — respect not just for other people and their property but for themselves.

"Many of the youths who attended the recent forum saw themselves outside the community and when you think of some of the behaviour we have been witnessing, this is perhaps not surprising.

"On a positive note, however, by the end of the day, there was a quite dramatic turnaround and most realised they had an equal part to play."
Inspector Ross was quick to point out that the policy of having police officers engage with the youth did not indicate a softer touch on troublemakers.

He warned: "While there is much value in the diversionary tactics of community liaison, there is still a place for enforcement and we will continue with our tight policing strategy and clampdown where hotspots flare up."

MSP Des McNulty said he is getting positive feedback on the reduction in anti-social behaviour and told the Herald: "I have been delighted to hear at recent residents association meetings of the marked reduction in youth problems and, perhaps unusually at these meetings, much praise for the police.

"I commend the two-pronged strategy Inspector Ross is using which is a blend of old fashioned policing and an awareness of the issues with the youth of today."

Bearsden North councillor, Amanda Stewart, is convener of the committee with responsibility for community support policing and said: "I am delighted to say anti-social behaviour figures are dropping and I welcome this both as a councillor and a resident.

"I think the turnaround is down to the excellent strategic planning of local police and I would urge residents and parents to do their bit in helping combat occasions of disorder, particularly as the lighter nights come in and youngsters are out until later."

Crime Prevention Panel chairwoman Doris Sofio said: "Without a doubt there has been a remarkable improvement in youth crime since the return of Bill Ross."