HOTSPOTS for anti-social behaviour include the public park in Rosyth, Dalgety Bay Industrial Estate and St Bridget’s Kirk while poor driver behaviour has been a problem in Dalgety Bay’s Harbour Drive.

Youth disorder has also been a problem in Oakley, Kincardine and Silver Sands in Aberdour.

In a report to councillors by Police Scotland chief inspector Irene Ralston, she said South West Fife was subject to sporadic episodes of anti-social behaviour mainly featuring young people or young drivers.

“We continue to work with the Area Safety Community Group in the identification of the problem areas and the subsequent response to the issues raised,” she stated. 

“Officers are also working with young people in the area and have developed initiatives designed to enhance social skills and support a greater understanding of their environment and the wider community with the intention of tackling anti- social behaviour and violence issues.”

Detection rates of anti-social behaviour, violence and disorder crimes in South West Fife have gone up, according to recent figures.

At last week’s meeting of Fife Council’s South West Fife area committee, members heard that 13.3 per cent more offences involving violence were detected between April and August last year compared to the same period last year – taking the detection rate to 92.4 per cent.

In the six-month period this year, there were three more ‘group one’ crimes of violence four more serious assaults while there were four more common assaults – bringing the total to 157 – than in the same timescale last year.

There were 11 fewer thefts by housebreaking – down to 10 incidents – while 35 fewer vandalism and malicious mischief offences were recorded.

The reduction in vandalism has been put down to the launch of an operation aimed at addressing the causes of vandalism and improving its investigation when reported. This included a daily review of all vandalism to establish links between offenders and locations.

Councillors heard that road safety continues to be a focus for community officers with regular patrols taking place at local primary schools at the beginning and end of the school day. Efforts are ongoing to establish more community speedwatch partnerships across the area.

Looking at drug and alcohol misuse, Chief Inspector Ralston said Police Scotland’s “robust management processes” ensured there was prompt intervention.

She explained: “One such instance was a licensed premises in Dalgety Bay which was experiencing issues with theft of alcohol and concerns that this was being perpetrated on behalf of, or by, young people.

“Community officers, supported by the community safety officer, worked with the management of the premises to improve security, educate staff and make physical changes to the layout of the shop to reduce further instances of theft.”