Lerwick Lanes anti-social behaviour and police wait times spark concern

Concerns persist regarding anti-social behaviour and long emergency call wait times in the Lerwick Lanes. While Police Scotland area commander Chris Sewell reported that the volume of public nuisance calls has been “relatively low” since April, Shetland Community Safety and Resilience Board chair Allison Duncan highlighted ongoing issues affecting residents.

Evidence presented to the board included reports of underage drinking, fighting, vandalism, and aggressive behaviour during August. Recent developments noted by Duncan include individuals spitting on residents’ doors and windows.

Additionally, the board raised concerns over Police Scotland’s 101 non-emergency line. One resident reportedly waited 59 minutes for a response after multiple attempts to report disorder. Sewell acknowledged that long wait times are a national issue, noting that average wait times have “more than doubled” in recent years as police prioritise “higher harm areas” such as domestic abuse and sexual violence.