TWO years of Covid lockdown measures have led to a substantial rise in anti-social behaviour in Prestonpans, ward councillors have said.
In the past year, the number of anti-social incidents recorded by police has risen, with 53 crimes recorded in the town last month.
Four priorities have been identified in the local community for the area: anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, violence, and housebreaking/dishonesties.
The situation in Prestonpans was described as “the worst I’ve ever seen” by Councillor Lachlan Bruce at a meeting of Prestonpans Community Council last Tuesday.
DJ Johnston-Smith, the group’s chairman, told members that other parts of the county were suffering in a similar way.
He said: “We have seen cycles of this throughout history and various versions of heinous crimes.
“It was very disappointing to see the Christmas tree being set on fire and the brand-new lights cut.
“We have also seen fire raising, bus shelters shattered and various other parts of the town targeted by vandals.”
Community council member Ferhan Ashiq echoed Mr Johnston-Smith’s views by saying: “It’s not the worst it’s ever been, if you were around in the ’80s and ’90s.”
Mr Ashiq claimed it was the same individuals causing 80 per cent of the problems and that, through assistance, they could become “productive members of society”.
Additionally, intervention was the main point of action from the majority of the community council, which many said needed to be “re-established immediately”.
Councillor Fiona O’Donnell said that Covid had left young people feeling unsure about their place in the world.
She added that youths were looking for someone to keep them safe, while residents also wished to feel safe.
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Community councillor Joseph Simpson said: “The hard part is identifying the kids at risk.
“If they are known, it is then about bringing a range of co-ordinated services to bear to deal with family issues, education, employment and hobbies.
“We need to identity the kids at risk further downstream, like younger siblings, to help them avoid problems later on.
“If all this is known, it’s just about marshalling all the services.”
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