Renfrewshire Council trials use of app for reporting anti-social behaviour

Renfrewshire Council will trial the use of an app for the reporting of anti-social behaviour – a decision which has been described as an “important step” in tackling growing concerns around the problem.

A six-week pilot of the technology, which allows users to collect and submit noise recordings, diary sheets and videos, will begin before the end of this month.

If the project is successful and the app is subsequently rolled out on a wider basis, it is understood the costs associated with it would be minimal.

Councillor Jamie McGuire, a Labour representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, said: “The introduction of a new antisocial behaviour app on a six-week pilot basis marks an important step in addressing the growing concerns around anti-social behaviour in our community.

“This initiative utilises technology to complement existing reporting methods, making it easier for residents to document and report incidents as they happen.

“Anti-social behaviour has often been underreported, leaving residents feeling unsupported and unsafe. Traditional reporting methods can be time-consuming or inaccessible at critical moments.

“By incorporating a digital tool like this app, we are extending the range of options available to residents, increasing the likelihood of incidents being reported promptly.

“This development ensures that individuals have the means to take action and contribute to the safety of their neighbourhood.”

An update was provided on the planned pilot at last week’s communities and housing policy board.

It said: “A partnership approach to piloting an online method of reporting Renfrewshire Council tenants’ anti-social behaviour is progressing.

“It is proposed that the app will be introduced for a pilot period of six weeks, to ensure it meets the needs of customers and the service, thereafter it will be launched across all housing teams.

“The intention of the pilot is to offer the app to customers already engaged with services. It is anticipated that the pilot will begin before the end of January 2025.”

There are no additional costs linked with the six-week testing phase.

Councillor McGuire added: “This pilot arrives at a critical time, given the increase in anti-social behaviour incidents in the area.

“Such issues disrupt lives and erode the sense of safety within our neighbourhoods.

“By making it simpler and faster to report incidents, the app helps ensure that patterns of behaviour are identified and acted upon effectively.

“It also sends a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be ignored.”