MSP Raises Concerns over Vandalism Levels
Baker calls for concerted local action on vandalism
North-East MSP Richard Baker has today raised his concerns over figures from the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill which show a mismatch between the numbers of recorded crimes of vandalism and the number of community orders (ASBOs) that are being issued down to convicted offenders in Grampian.
He is writing to the Chief Constable of Grampian Force, Colin McKerracher, and the leader of Aberdeen City Council, Kate Dean, asking them what actions will be taken locally to raise the awareness of, and to encourage victims of anti-social behaviour to identify individuals who are committing acts of vandalism and reckless damage.
The figures, released in answers by Mr MacAskill to a series of parliamentary questions, show that in Aberdeen City from 2003-2007 only 73 anti-social behaviour (ASBOs) and 24 community service orders (from 2003-2006) were issued.
This is in comparison to 42,283 crimes involving vandalism being recorded across the Grampian Police Force Area from 2003-2007.
In response Richard Baker said: "From the statistics that were released by Kenny MacAskill I am concerned about what seems to be a mismatch between those who are being issued with either an anti-social behaviour or a community service and the numbers of crimes of vandalism that are being recorded in the Aberdeen City and Grampian area.
I think people would agree that both Grampian Police and local councils must take further action to raise the awareness of anti-social behaviour across all communities.
"Residents who have been victims of vandalism should be encouraged to come forward and identify those involved.
"I am writing to both Chief Constable Colin McKerracher and Kate Dean to ask them what measures both Grampian police and Aberdeen City Council will be taking to tackle the scale of this problem.
"I know much work is being done already to address vandalism in our area but these figures show that a comprehensive strategy is required."