Police target unruly residents

Edinburgh will have a greater police presence

Police are recruiting 36 officers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh City Council is giving the force £1.5m over the next three years to combat anti-social behaviour in the city's housing estates.

Council leader Donald Anderson said it was determined to deal with residents who are destroying people's quality of life.

Lothian and Borders Police said the extra officers will boost street policing in the city by 10%.

We will use all the powers available to prevent anti-social behaviour undermining the quality of life in the city Donald Anderson Edinburgh City Council leader

Mr Anderson said the council was determined to deal with anti-social residents.

He said: "This initiative shows the council's determination to tackle head-on individuals who persist in indulging in anti-social behaviour.

"Such people are destroying the quality of life for the majority of decent, law-abiding Edinburgh residents.

"We will use all the powers available to prevent anti-social behaviour undermining the quality of life in the city."

Lothian and Borders Police Chief Constable Paddy Tomkins said people should feel safe and secure in their homes.

He said: "This additional funding allows Lothian and Borders Police to put extra officers on the street to tackle this issue.

"The initiative is another development in a close working relationship between the police and council through which we strive to find solutions to social problems and play our part in helping communities flourish."