House parties & physical distancing breaches lead to rise in anti-social behaviour in Fife

Police have revealed that anti-social behaviour 'significantly increased' across Fife during lockdown.

The majority of incidents related to a breach of physical distancing guidelines, house parties, noise complaints and excess travel.

Local parks, car parks and beauty spots were amongst hot spots which saw a rise in anti-social behaviour.

The update came in a COVID-19 update to Fife Council.

A report, to be discussed next week, revealed, that the local authority and police had established a plan to visit householders who repeatedly failed to adhere to social-distancing guidelines.

Police and housing officers undertook joint visits to ensure fair but robust messaging was provided to householders.

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The report noted that they "provided a united front in ensuring guidelines were adhered to."

Police are also working closely with trading standards to share information and attend premises where businesses were re-opening out with the guidelines.

Each division within Fife Police created a plan to monitor and patrol identified hotspots, and also identified areas at risk of high tensions and/or criminality included pharmacies and hospitals.

The report stated: "A visible presence was deployed around these locations, with pharmacies contacted to provide security advice and offer additional support, given the increased holding of prescription drugs on their premises."

Police are currently working on developing new plans to combat anti-social behaviour.

A report stated: "Whilst the division continues to work through these unprecedented and challenging times, maintaining public safety and confidence is paramount.

"Ongoing work has been undertaken to ensure preparedness for any potential second wave, in order to maintain the delivery of critical frontline services. "

The police's Covid-19 update will be presented to Fife Council on Tuesday, at a Partnership Board meeting.

Members of the public will be able to access this through an online video link on Fife Council's website.

> Hannah Brown is Local Democracy Reporter for Fife & Angus

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