CATHY JAMIESON, Scotland’s Justice Minister, will urge police today to use new antisocial behaviour laws to crack down on low-level crime to improve the public’s sense of security.

Ms Jamieson will tell police chiefs meeting in the Borders that “fast, visible action against yobbish behaviour” can promote greater public confidence in the police’s ability to tackle more serious violent crime. She will also seek, at the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents conference, to address concerns about bail and automatic early release.

Speaking beforehand, she said that the good work of Scotland’s eight police forces was largely responsible for a fear of crime that was “out of proportion to the actual risk of becoming a victim”.

Ms Jamieson said: “People tell me that they want to feel safe in their homes and communities, and that they feel safer when they see the police. That’s why we now have a record 16,000 officers employed throughout Scotland — backed by a record £1 billion a year of investment.

“People also tell me that if an offence is committed, they want to see the person who committed it being caught and dealt with swiftly and effectively. Provided they are used to their potential, the new measures in the antisocial behaviour legislation give the police and local agencies the power to take swift and effective action. They play an important part in building communities’ confidence.

“Indeed, if local communities start to see that blatant lowlevel antisocial behaviour can and is being tackled, this will help to improve their trust in the police and their overall sense of security — action, not just words of reassurance.”

The Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Bill introduced new police dispersal powers, fixed-penalty notices and new orders to close premises and confiscate vehicles from boy-racers.

The Sentencing Commission is recommending greater supervision for those freed pending trial and tougher measures for those who jump bail.

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