Liam Kerr MSP has urged the Scottish Government to give police officers more powers and resources to clamp down on youth anti-social behaviour after a drunk 16-year-old killed a bus driver who refused to let him on his coach.
In parliament, the Scottish Conservative North East MSP raised concerns with justice secretary Angela Constance over growing instances of anti-social behaviour across the region.
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He said the decision to no longer investigate every low-level crime following a pilot scheme in the North East was resulting in a “haven” for anti-social behaviour, leading to more serious incidents taking place.
It comes after a 16-year-old boy, earlier this month, admitted killing Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson in a drink-fuelled attack.
The killing of the dad-of-two took place after Mr Rollinson refused to allow him onto his bus due to the boy’s level of intoxication.
In Oldmeldrum, Balmedie and Pitmedden, gangs of youths are causing havoc by “terrifying” locals and are said to have brandished knives at residents.
And in Inverurie, residents say they are being intimidated by gangs of teens who are using the town centre as a “personal playground”, ranging from thefts to vandalism.
At General Questions in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Kerr asked: “The people of the North East have to live through this experiment.
“Alongside reports of the 16-year-old who, after drinking alcohol on the streets of Elgin, killed RAF veteran Keith Rollinson after being refused admission onto his coach, we hear reports of Inverurie residents being intimidated by gangs of teens using the town centre as a “personal playground” and Oldmeldrum, Balmedie and Pitmedden residents reporting youths brandishing knives at passers-by.
“Does the cabinet secretary concede that electing not to investigate certain crimes, coupled with officer reductions and budget cuts, creates a haven for more anti-social behaviour issues across our communities?”
The justice secretary said communities were now safer despite repeated incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour among young people.
Angela Constance said: “The impact of this proportionate response to lower-level offences gives officers more time to focus on local policing and keeping people safe from harm.”
Afterwards, Liam Kerr MSP said: “Not investigating low-level crimes is already proving to be dangerous, resulting in youths running riot across our North East communities.
“These horrific incidents are a tragic example of how people feel less safe under this cost-cutting project.
“Public safety will continue to be compromised unless SNP ministers heed the repeated warnings of officers and properly resource North East policing.”
Implementing stronger measures is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of frontline workers and ensuring public safety across Aberdeen and the surrounding areas.
