Revised strategy to help communities

Published: Friday 22 March 2024

This images shows one of the CCTV vans used to help tackle anti-social behaviour across South Lanarkshire

A revised Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy is a clear commitment to protecting local communities.

The strategy was agreed at this week’s Executive Committee and will run from 2024 to 2029.

Published jointly with Police Scotland, it has a clearer focus on the four pillars of responding to anti-social behaviour – prevention, intervention, enforcement, and rehabilitation.

There is also a greater emphasis on embedding a person-centred approach and delivering trauma-informed practice, while ensuring that victims of anti-social behaviour are supported by officers or specialist staff at Victim Support Scotland.

The strategy intends to deliver on the following outcomes:

  • People behave responsibly in their attitude towards alcohol and are educated in relation to the impact of drugs.
  • People behave responsibly in relation to fire safety.
  • Domestic noise has less impact on people’s lives.
  • Litter and household waste is reduced, improving the safety and attractiveness of communities.
  • People can live safely in communities, with levels of disorder reduced.
  • Services for people affected by anti-social behaviour are easily accessible.

Chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “The council and its community safety partners are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.

“The strategy gives us all a clear focus for the next five years and was formed following consultation with a wide range of people, services and partners, as well as feedback from those with lived experience of anti-social behaviour.

“I look forward to working with our services and partners to help spread the message that anti-social behaviour is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it.”

Police Scotland Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour in our local communities is a key priority and we work to ensure that people feel safe within our communities.

“We will continue to work closely with South Lanarkshire Council and other partners to deter and detect incidents of anti-social behaviour and promote positive behaviour.

“I would also ask the local community to assist in this partnership working by reporting any local incidents or concerns to either Police Scotland or the council.”

The strategy also aligns with new or updated strategies and plans, including the South Lanarkshire Council Litter Strategy 2022 to 2027.

If you are affected by anti-social behaviour, there is a range of helpful information on the council website, including contact details for advice and support.