 Police issued this CCTV footage of a gang in Dennistoun |
Police patrolling an area of Glasgow blighted by knife-carrying gangs are to use an anti-social behaviour power to try to bring order to the streets. A dispersal order has been introduced to help officers break up groups accused of fighting, drinking and vandalism in North Dennistoun.
It is the second time the power has been used in Glasgow.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said: "This will provide relief for the long-suffering community."
The order has been introduced in the community in the city's east end in a joint move by Strathclyde Police and Glasgow City Council.
Police said that for a number of years the area had faced an increasing problem with large groups of youths aged between 11 and the mid 20s.
They said the hotspots for "disorder" centred around Alexandra Parade.
The problem has led to residents suffering from intimidation and fearing violence, while local businesses have also suffered.
The new powers under the Anti-social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004 will allow police to disperse groups of two or more people.
CCTV vans
Supt David Marsh, sub divisional officer at London Road Police Office, said: "The traditional approach to date with regards to youths disrupting neighbourhoods and intimidating residents has been unsuccessful.
"The large volume of complaints made to the police, the local councillor and MSP deemed it necessary for us to use the new legislation available and tackle the problem head on."
The first dispersal order in Glasgow was enforced in August in Knightswood.
The authorities said it had already proved a success with regular police patrols reducing the number of calls from the public.
The force will be deploying mobile CCTV vans as part of a North Dennistoun scheme.
Posters will be put up throughout the area and local community officers will visit schools to offer advice on the order.
Local councillor Elaine McDougall said: "Finally the people of North Dennistoun will be able to look forward to walking their streets free from fear and intimidation from anti-social behaviour."
The dispersal order will take effect from Friday 13 October 2006 and will remain in force until 11 January 2007.
Anyone who does not comply with the dispersal order will commit an offence and, if convicted, could be jailed for three months and face a fine of up to �2,500.
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The large volume of complaints made to the police, the local councillor and MSP deemed it necessary for us to use the new legislation
