EARLY intervention programmes are key to tackling rising youth disorder in Glasgow, Police Scotland has said.

Figures presented to councillors show 3426 incidents were reported across the city from April to September this year, compared to 3154 for the same period last year.

The Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward was worst-hit, with 225 incidents, up from 167 in 2018.

Responding to the figures, Superintendent Hilary Sloan, of Stewart Street Police Office, said tackling anti-social behaviour is a “priority” for local problem solving teams across Glasgow.

“Partnership working is key in doing this and local officers regularly work in collaboration with Glasgow City Council, schools, social work, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other local community groups, just to name a few,” she said.

“Engaging positively with young people is important and early intervention and other diversionary programmes are put in place where long term issues of anti-social behaviour or youth disorder become apparent.

“It is important that officers engage with youths to find the root cause of anti-social behaviour.”

Projects have been put in place which the force says are working in some areas.

“Campaigns such as ‘You’re Asking for It’, which was aimed at reducing proxy purchases of alcohol, has already proven successful in many areas of the city.” Superintendent Sloan said.

“We have also run a number of campaigns to tackle drugs and to promote safety throughout the festive period in recent months. A group of youths have already been identified in the north west of the city and they will take part in a programme at the Knightswood BMX Track, to tackle these causes.”

Anderston/City/Yorkhill was one of five wards where the number of reports has climbed above 200 when compared to last year’s figures.

The statistics in Greater Pollok show a rise in reported incidents from 173 to 250 and, in Garscadden/Scotstounhill, the numbers increased from 131 to 219.

In Maryhill there was 205 reports compared to 168 last year, with 201 in the East Centre ward, up from 154. However, there has been significant reductions in some areas. Reports in Southside Central dropped from 293 to 175 and Govan fell from 282 reports to 199.