Cowdenbeath’s MP has called on the Scottish Government to take greater action against anti-social behaviour that has left residents frightened to leave their homes.
A total of ten youths were charged following disorder that saw police officers attacked earlier this month.
Melanie Ward raised the issue, which she described as “growing” at Westminster.
The representative for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy said: “Surely it cannot be just a coincidence that this comes as police numbers across Scotland last year fell to their lowest since 2008.
“I have raised the issue with the local police inspector and discussed it with him, but the disorder was not an isolated incident.
“It is increasingly clear that more devolved action is needed in Scotland to tackle the problem of antisocial behaviour, because it makes lives miserable.
“We have to ask why it is not being taken seriously and why more is not being done about it by the Scottish Government.”
Up to 50 people were involved in the Stenhouse Street, trouble which many viewed as a serious escalation in criminality.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Antisocial behaviour is unacceptable and has a detrimental impact on people and communities. Police Scotland and local authorities lead on interventions and have a range of options and powers available.
“Our cashback for communities programme, which is funded by seized criminal assets, will provide up to £26m to the end of March 2029 to provide early intervention and preventative support to thousands of young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in offending or antisocial behaviour.
“This year, we are investing a record £1.64bn for policing – an increase of £90 million on 2024-25. Our funding has enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits in 2024-25 than at any time since 2013, with further intakes planned throughout 2025-26.
“Scotland continues to be a safe place to live, with more police officers per head than England and Wales and recorded crime having fallen by more than half since 1991.”
Share