THREATENING and abusive behaviour in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands has almost trebled year on year, police have reported.
Councillors and community figures are set to hear of a 176 per cent increase in such incidents, although violent crime is reported to have remained stable.
Attacks on emergency workers have also reduced, albeit there has been a slight increase in the number of common assaults.
The figures are revealed in a report to Argyll and Bute Council’s Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands community planning group at its meeting on Wednesday, August 27.
Inspector Matthew Shaw said in a report: “Violent crime has remained reasonably stable, with only a five per cent increase on figures for the year to date.
“The increase is down to a slight increase in common assaults (three more than last year for the same period). Though we have seen a welcome decrease in emergency workers being attacked (this includes ambulance/hospital staff and police), dropping by 87 per cent for this year to date.
“However, threatening and abusive behaviour has seen an increase for the year to date, with incidents increasing 176 per cent.
“There is no real pattern as to why this increase has occurred, but the crime type is one that normally occurs in the evenings and after the people committing the offence have ingested some form of intoxicant.
“Again, there is no clear demographic that is our main offender with this crime type, with varying ages and genders partaking in the offence.”
The inspector added: “As APG (area planning group) members, if you have identified problem areas, ASB (antisocial behaviour) hotspots, or licensees that are not acting in a responsible way, please link with us to advise of the problem.
“We can set up bespoke patrols and use our powers under licensing laws to ensure responsible practice.
“The sooner we are informed about an issue the less chance there is that it grows into an enduring community issue.”
