THE 2026 FIFA World Cup passed off“relatively peacefully” in Argyll and Bute, police have reported.
The late kick-off times, including Scotland’s game with Haiti which started at 2am UK time, prompted use of additional resources across the area.
But in an update on violent crime and antisocial behaviour, officers have said that no significant incidents took place during the tournament, which took place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The details feature in a report which will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s community services committee at its meeting on Thursday, August 27.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Violent crime in our communities is often sporadic and influenced by alcohol. Each area continues to have high visibility patrols to support our important nighttime economy.
“This visible presence is a key feature to reducing violence as well as promoting public reassurance. We also work closely with our colleagues…to prevent and reduce the impact of alcohol-related violence.
“The FIFA World Cup, and especially the timings of Scotland’s three group games required additional resources over and above the normal patrols.
“Each town had a dedicated team of officers to provide extra resilience during the early hours of the morning to prevent violence and alcohol-related disorder whilst providing reassurance to members of the public.
“We are glad to say that no significant incidents took place, and the World Cup passed relatively peacefully.
“Our youth engagement officers (YEO) continue to carry out important work with students. In May our YEO in Oban organised a Choices for Life event, where she was assisted by Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Medics Against Violence, SFRS, Argyll and Bute Woman’s Aid, Oban Youth Café, Live Argyll and RNLI.
“They provide numerous inputs on other topics such as knife crime. Early engagement and education of our young people is a key priority for us.”
Turning to antisocial behaviour (ASB), the report added: “Our summer action plans are produced locally and are underpinned through analytical review ensuring that our resources are being directed to the right places.
“It is vital that community concerns regarding ASB are being reported to us to allow us to build a picture, collate evidence, and set local tasking.
“This process of review and tasking enables us to focus on those individuals, houses and even vehicles, attributed to ASB within our communities.
“Our community team have been visible throughout June and July and have been supporting the National Parks at Loch Lomond and the community in Luss and Duck Bay where we recorded a rise in antisocial behaviour calls relating to waterborne behaviour particularly with the anti-social use of jet skis.
“Various multi-agency meetings have taken place to discuss the impact on the local community and enabling us to implement a multiagency response.
“We have maximised our online presence delivering preventive and water safety messages highlighting the impact that ASB is having this season.”
