Press Release
Campaign Needs Parental Support Says MP
The timing of this campaign could not be better nor is this a time for any of us to flinch from the values of decency and mutual respect. In every street in our communities we have to be determined to stamp out crime and report criminal activity to the Police.
Decent law abiding people that I speak to are absolutely fed up with wanton vandalism, graffiti, alcohol abuse, drug dealers, people carrying weapons, and gangs congregating with menace intent. Each one of these unlawful offences threatens our civilised society, and terrifies both youngsters and elderly citizens. We should not have to live in an environment dominated by fear. That is why I wholeheartedly welcome the ‘nae bother’ campaign launched by the Police Chief Henry Campbell and Advertiser Editor John Murdoch.
The responsibility for cleaning up graffiti is undertaken by our local Council who do a first class job but let us not overlook the fact that it is paid for out of taxes by hard working families. Alcohol abuse invariably leads to unacceptable thuggish disorderly behaviour on our streets. Drug dealers are an evil cancer preying on your young people. The consequences of alcohol and more specifically drug abuse is frightening, it ruins lives and tragically results in the premature death of youngsters who have been seduced and exploited by this addictive habit.
In my view the general public want the authorities to take action and to be seen to take action against those responsible for committing these offences.
This much needed initiative will be an outstanding success provided we all play our part in helping to report crime. The police cannot do it on their own they need our help. Recently I actually accompanied the police and visited every part of my constituency. It was clear that the overwhelming majority of youths behaved in an impeccable manner. We shouldn’t forget that not all young people are the problem. I’m afraid it is only a very tiny minority that commit offences that can cause mayhem in our communities. We all have a civic duty to stand firm and send a clear message to those who blight our communities that we have had enough. We should be more co-operative in our support for the Police and their efforts to maintain law and order. Most Parents take a keen interest in where their youngsters are going when they go out for the evening.
Many parents really care about their teenage children and stay awake until they return home, primarily because they are worried out of their minds that something terrible might happen to them. This exemplary example of regime care, conscientiously carried out by most parents has to be practised by all parents. Therefore Parents have a key role in making this campaign a huge success, and they will also have the personal relief of not having to agonise about their youngsters either perpetrating crime or more chilling falling victims of crime.