INCIDENTS of drug crime, anti-social behaviour, disorder and vandalism have increased in the Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch areas, according to a new report.

The report, to go before members of the Johnstone and the Villages Local Area Committee on Thursday, August 25 shows a rise in the number of crimes committed in the Ward Eight area.

Serious violent crime stayed the same at seven incidents, based on figures from April to June this year, and compared to the same period last year.

Minor assaults are up from 23 to 31, while drug crime is up to 50 from 38.

Calls in relation to anti-social behaviour has jumped from 221 over the same period last year to 278 and vandalism has increased from 20 cases to 35.

The report to go before councillors tomorrow states: "Within Ward 8 increases were noted within drug crime, anti social behaviour/disorder calls, and vandalism.

"The vast majority of drug crimes were committed within Johnstone Town Centre and immediate surrounds, with 96% of these being for possession of user amounts of (predominantly) cannabis."

The report goes on to say: "Due to the drug type and quantity; location; and peak time for offences (1800hrs to midnight); it is most likely that this reflects a seasonal increase in recreational use.

"The main increase within Disorder and Anti Social Behaviour calls has been within complaints of Public Nuisance, which now peak notably on weekend days.

"Further analysis indicates that this increase is mainly attributable to an increase in reports of youths gathering and drinking within the Miller Street area during early April."

The report also highlights the efforts being made to tackle the incidents of crime in the area.

It says: "This was met with a co-ordinated and robust response including increased patrols from both Police and Wardens, as well as engagement from local Youth Officers.

"This achieved the desired effect, with no further incidents of this type reported during the intervening period to date.

"The increase in vandalisms can mostly be attributed to a known repeat location in the area of Morrisons Supermarket which suffered nine separate incidents between mid-May to mid -June.

"There have been no further incidents reported since 20th June, however Wardens and Youth Officers are in regular dialogue with Morrisons to monitor the situation."

In Ward Seven, which takes in Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood, serious crime has halved from four to two, based over April and June 2015 and 2016, minor assaults went down from 27 to 26, drug crime is down from 31 cases to 26, Disorder and Anti Social Behaviour (ASB)

(number of calls) is down from 242 to 197 but vandalism is up from 22 to 27.

Renfrewshire Councillor Andy Doig, who is one of three politicians to represent Ward Eight, said: "I would like to congratulate Police Scotland because they are well aware, as am I, that there are particular hotspots in the town centre area, a focal point, for drug activity but you're talking about a tiny minority of people involved.

"But the constituents are very good as passing on information to me and there a great awareness that the police need support from the members of the public.

"They have to be commended.

"The second point is that the police detection is very good and that may be why some of these statistics have risen.

"The people of Johnstone, the police and I all want to live in a better Johnstone and we'll continue to work hard towards that goal."

The Gazette understands that Chief Inspector Simon Wright will be attending the meeting tomorrow night when he will present a report and provide comments on the current situation.

To view the report go to www.renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx