As a police officer in the Northfield community policing team, an important part of my role is to work closely with members of the community to tackle and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
The wider Northfield community is made up of many smaller communities – Heathryfold, Middlefield and Cummings Park, as well as churches, schools and many local community groups.
Although some communities will have their own focus, it’s vital that groups work together to prosper.
The common types of crime coming to our attention in Northfield include anti-social behaviour, dishonesty and vandalism.
Anti-social behaviour is something we are working closely with partners to reduce.
It comes in many forms, including children throwing stones at windows and cars, graffiti, hanging about in big groups, shouting and swearing, drinking in the street or neighbours arguing.
Increase in anti-social behaviour
Over recent months we have noticed an increase in the calls we receive regarding youth-related anti-social behaviour and we are committed to tackling it.
We want young people to be able to meet up with their friends, have a good time and enjoy their surroundings, but if this enjoyment results in the intimidation or harassment of others, we will respond to address the matter appropriately.
Police officers from Northfield and Mastrick are coming together with partners in the area to work on the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) team.
The focus of the LOIP is to improve the Northfield and Mastrick areas.
This is done in conjunction with partner agencies and local groups.
We will carry out regular foot patrols, speaking with groups of local youths to build relationships and break down barriers that may exist, in a proactive attempt to deter incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Blame and accusation
Sometimes engagement with youngsters can be difficult. There is a general feeling of blame and accusation.
This has a negative impact on the positive work we are aiming to carry out, so we are reaching out to parents/guardians and other members of the community connected to children and young people to demonstrate a positive attitude towards police officers.
We want to work with all members of the public, including young people, to make Northfield a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
We are part of the Northfield community and we believe every person from child to adult is a member of that community and we need to promote getting that community feeling back.
Youth clubs, street sports, boxing
There is much to be positive about in the Northfield area.
We will soon benefit from a brand new swimming pool, work is ongoing to create a new Northfield Hub and there are numerous existing projects providing youth clubs, street sports and boxing training.
For further information about activities in the area, please email our Early Intervention Team: NorthEastEarlyIntervention@scotland.polic.uk
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