Riverside Beat Priority Update - Youth Anti-social Behaviour

Good afternoon all,

As we come to the end of the month, you will shortly receive an update into the 3 priorities in which the beat team are focusing on this month. 

First up, is our focus around Youth Anti-social behaviour coming into summer and the school holidays:

As the school summer holidays began, the local Beat Team took a proactive approach by visiting schools on their final days of term. These visits provided an opportunity for positive engagement with students while also reinforcing important messages about personal responsibility, respect, and staying safe during the holiday period. As expected, pupils were excited about the weeks ahead, and staff at the schools were welcoming and appreciative of the ongoing partnership with local policing teams throughout the academic year.

Our PCSOs have also continued to attend sessions at the St Andrews Play Association. These visits provide valuable opportunities to engage with young people from across the beat area, as well as those visiting during the holidays. Building and maintaining positive relationships with local young people is an important part of neighbourhood policing, helping to ensure they feel comfortable approaching officers with any concerns or issues. It also gives them the chance to ask questions about policing, local matters, and issues affecting their community.

Unfortunately, our officers have also had to deal with incidents involving young people committing theft offences in the city centre. While these incidents did not take place within the Riverside Beat area, our team identified those responsible and successfully recovered more than £300 worth of stolen goods, which were returned to the retailer. Following the investigation, all individuals involved were dealt with through appropriate out-of-court disposals. We continue to encourage parents and guardians to speak with young people about making positive choices and understanding the consequences of criminal behaviour.

Sgt 1509 Wilson