Calls for Locals to Report Incidents Where They See Them

Stirling MP Alyn Smith has welcomed a response to his letter to Stirling’s Chief Inspector Gill Marshall on anti-social behaviour in the area. 

Mr Smith wrote to CI Marshall, Police Scotland’s Area Commander for Stirling, following several complaints from constituents about a rise in anti-social behaviour in Stirling City Centre – as well as in areas such as Kings Park. 

CI Marshall has responded to Mr Smith, detailing measures local police are taking to discourage anti-social behaviour, but also urging locals to report incidents where they see them.

Alyn Smith MP said: 

‘This is a welcome and constructive response from Police Scotland, the contents of which I will share with constituents who have been in touch on this matter.

‘Anti-social behaviour has the capacity to ruin the peaceful livelihoods of residents and business owners, and those responsible should be stopped and held accountable.

‘We are in the process of getting our lives back on track, following a pandemic lockdown, and trying to reach our new normal. Everyone has a right to walk through town without feeling intimidated, or without witnessing appalling behaviour from some individuals.

‘I must stress this does very much sound like a small minority of people who are behaving in this way. Stirling is beginning to reopen for business and this should in no way deter people from coming into town, supporting businesses here, and having a good time. Nevertheless, where these incidents have occurred, they should be addressed.

‘As Chief Inspector Marshall has pointed out in her response to me, the police respond to intelligence provided by the public. If the police don’t know it’s going on, they can do nothing about it. Therefore, I urge residents or passers-by who see anti-social behaviour taking place to report it to the non-emergency 101 line – or 999 if the situation is serious and an emergency.’

Notes: