Safer town centres scheme launched

Safe City Centres Initiative to be rolled out to towns

News, 8 June 2005

A scheme designed to tackle crime and improve community safety in city centres is being extended into Scotland's towns.

The Safe City Centres Initiative (SCCI) has already proved successful in cities like Aberdeen and Glasgow, resulting in a reduced level of violence, intimidation and anti-social behaviour against shopworkers and customers.

Now, the scheme is being extended with pilots running in 11 town centres throughout Scotland. These are Falkirk, Paisley, East Kilbride, Invergordon, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Fraserburgh, Musselburgh, Tranent, Glenrothes and Peterhead.

Measures such as CCTV, radio links, photograph and information sharing, and exclusion orders will be introduced.

SCCI was launched in 2003 to tackle business crime. A number of measures, including the introduction of safer parking facilities, better radio link systems and closer partnerships between the police, local authorities and the business community have helped achieve this.

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said: "I want people to feel safe in their homes and when out on their daily business. However, crime prevention - and particularly business crime prevention - is not just a matter for the police. If business crime is to be tackled effectively, the Executive, police, local authorities and businesses must all play a prominent and active role."

The Executive is committed to funding the Safe City Centres Initiative until March 2006. The cost of both schemes is £1.2 million.