Praise has been heaped on a joint city centre initiative between Stirling Council and Police Scotland.
Operation Steadfast ran for a month during the height of summer and has been hailed as a success for drastically reducing recorded and reported crime, anti-social behaviour and increasing public safety in the Friars Street, Baker Street, Back Walk and Murray Place area.
The scheme was so successful plans are in place to see it make a return for Fresher’s week in September and over the festive period.
Under Steadfast, Police Scotland and Council officers worked together to reduce specific crime and anti-social behaviour issues affecting businesses, residents and members of the public in the section of the city around Friars Street.
Following the conclusion of the initiative, which ran from June 28 to July 29, businesses in the area reported a boost in trade and an improvement in trading environment, while headline figures relating to crime were massively down from the same period in 2017.
They showed:
• Victim reported crime – down 50%
• Pro-active police captures – up 81%
• Violent Crime (assaults) – down 75%
• Theft by shoplifting – down 110%
Alongside this came increased partnership working between Council services, the police and other agencies including Street Pastors and the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.
Speaking after last week’s meeting of the Stirling Council Public Safety Committee where Councillors were informed of the Operation’s success, Convenor Maureen Bennison said: “We knew there were specific issues related to this area of the City and we knew something had to be done.
“Operation Steadfast involved partnership working with a clear goal and these figures are great to see and show the undeniable success and value of this operation.
“This type of work can and will have a legacy in the City centre. Relationships have been built on and improved, there’s a better connection between businesses, police, the council and the public and we now know the impact this kind of work can have.
“It’s not a panacea, but it’s certainly a starting point and all partners involved in Steadfast noted the positive effects of a closer working relationship.”
Chief Inspector Gill Boulton, Local Area Commander for Stirling, said: “Stirling is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, particularly during the summer and as part of Operation Steadfast we were keen to ensure the city-centre was a welcoming and safe environment for locals and visitors alike.
“Extensive planning and partnership working took place prior to the launch of this initiative, as well as throughout its run, and this has paid dividends. In addition to various crimes falling, our recovery of illicit substances and gathering of evidence increased significantly.
“I eagerly look forward to working closely with our partners at Stirling Council once again for further Operation Steadfast activity during the upcoming Fresher's Week in September and over the festive period.”