This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tayside leading way against antisocial behaviour
30/08/2005
Measures that successfully tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in one part of Scotland should be used right across the country, First Minister Jack McConnell said today during a visit to the Craigie area of Dundee.
As well as speaking with local residents about antisocial behaviour, the First Minister learned about the success of the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) scheme that is being piloted by Tayside Police.
In the past six months alone over 1000 FPNs have been issued to people guilty of antisocial behaviour.
The First Minister said:
"Local authorities and the police have the powers to make sure that law abiding, hard working families hold the upper hand in our communities - not vandals and criminals. The time has come for them to use these powers, to start changing lives for the better.
"The Fixed Penalty Notice scheme that is up and running here in Tayside is exactly the type of project that I would like to see extended across the country.
"It sends out a clear message that crime, no matter how serious, will be punished. It says to vandals and criminals that if you are intent on causing misery, we will make you pay.
"My message today is clear. Scotland's communities deserve the right to be free of the acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour that blighted them for too long. We will help local people stand up against thuggery, vandalism and noise and make a real difference to Scotland."
The provisions in the Antisocial Behaviour Act include:
ASBOs for under 16s - extended to 12-15 year olds the existing provision for issuing ASBOs. Intended for a small minority of children for whom Children's Panel intervention has not proved effective
Dispersal of groups - provision for reasonable, balanced and targeted police power to tackle a real and serious problem in communities
Closure of premises - new power targeting those premises at the centre of acute antisocial behaviour, eg drinking or drug dens
Environmental offences - gives police the power to issue fixed penalty notices for litter, new powers for Ministers to issue directions in relation to clearance of litter and increased penalties for a range of antisocial environmental offences
Seizure of vehicles - gives the police the power to seize vehicles that are being used in an antisocial manner
One-year pilot for Fixed Penalty Notices for minor antisocial behaviour commenced in Tayside on April 1, 2005.
Since its introduction in excess of 1,000 FPNs issued, mainly for urinating in public and vandalism.