New figures have shown how the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a sharp rise in anti social behaviour.
Figures presented to South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) revealed an increase in the number of referrals to Victim Support South Lanarkshire (VSSL), which bosses at the charity believe was caused by the pandemic.
However, chiefs at the organisation added that the figures also showcase more people feel confident about coming forward regarding anti social incidents, as they now believe they will be listened to.
In 2019/20 a total of 109 referrals were made to VSSL, with 52 people taking up the support being provided.
In 2020/21, 188 referrals were made with 108 people taking up the support provided.
Figures also showed that there was over a 100 per cent increase in domestic noise complaints received across council resources, which the report stated can be attributed to households spending more time at home since restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic were implemented.
Kate Wallace from VSSL told Lanarkshire Live: "During the pandemic, there has been a reported rise in anti-social behaviour - particularly with neighbour disputes - that have been heightened due to the lockdown and people spending more time at home, as these figures show.
"Whilst it is concerning to see this rise in referrals it is heartening to see that people are increasingly feeling empowered to come forward and report such incidents, in the knowledge that their complaints will be taken seriously and that they will have access to the right support.
"The impact of anti-social behaviour can be traumatic for people involved. Often they feel frightened in their own homes and in a constant state of anxiety and apprehension.
“As Scotland’s leading charity supporting everyone affected by crime, Victim Support Scotland is here for everyone affected by crime.
"Our free and confidential services are available at the point of need, and you do not have to have reported the crime to be able to access our support. Anyone affected by crime can call us on 0800 160 1985.”
Inspector Kevin Millar of Rutherglen police station added: "Generally, it is a good thing if more victims are engaging with support services."
Other findings in the report found an expected decrease in certain types of crime due to the pandemic and ensuing lockdown.
A reduction of 73.4 per cent was achieved in the number of crimes of public drinking for offenders aged under 25 years while there was a reduction of 51 per cent in the number of reported crimes of wilful fire-raising.
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