Perth’s city centre has experienced a significant increase in anti-social behaviour incidents since early 2022, with official figures highlighting specific areas requiring urgent attention. Over 4,000 instances of disruptive conduct have been logged by Police Scotland in the heart of the city, causing considerable concern among local businesses and residents.
Anti-social behaviour, formally defined as actions that cause or are likely to cause alarm or distress to individuals, encompasses a wide spectrum of issues. These range from public nuisance and general disturbances to noise complaints, neighbourly disagreements, problematic communications, acts of damage, and illicit public drinking.
An in-depth analysis of reported incidents, derived from official data, has pinpointed the principal areas affected and the prevalent types of anti-social conduct occurring within Perth city centre since the beginning of 2022. This comprehensive overview offers a clearer picture of the challenges facing the community. High Street: A Persistent Area of Concern
The data unequivocally identifies High Street as the foremost hotspot for anti-social behaviour within Perth city centre. With more than 400 recorded incidents since January 2022, this prominent thoroughfare has consistently topped the list year after year. In 2022, 107 incidents were reported, a figure that saw a slight dip to 94 in 2023, only to climb sharply to 131 in 2024. The trend appears to be continuing into the current year, with 87 incidents already logged in the first six months of 2025, significantly outpacing other areas such as Scott Street, which recorded 39 fewer incidents in the same period.
Beyond overall numbers, High Street also accounts for the highest number of “disturbances” – a particularly disruptive category of anti-social behaviour. A total of 143 disturbances have been noted on High Street, representing more than double the second most frequently reported incident type across Perth up to June 2025. This concentration of disruptive events underscores the ongoing challenges faced by those who live, work, and visit this vital part of Perth. Other Affected Areas and Community Impact
Following High Street, two other central Perth locations, South Street and Scott Street, have also recorded high levels of anti-social behaviour, with 305 and 281 incidents respectively since 2022. The cumulative impact across these key streets paints a picture of a city striving to maintain its welcoming atmosphere against a backdrop of persistent issues.
Local business owners have openly expressed their frustrations regarding the situation. One manager of a well-known establishment on High Street described dealing with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting on a “daily basis,” lamenting that it is “never-ending and is only getting worse.” This individual also noted that it came as “no surprise” that High Street emerged as the leading area for such conduct. An independent business manager echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the problem is “rife” and observed daily. They shared concerns that this behaviour deters visitors, stating: “People have told us they’re scared to come into the city centre because of what goes on here. Perth High Street is not what it used to be.” These accounts underscore a palpable sense of decline and a desire for greater safety and order in the city centre. Police Response and Community Involvement
In light of these findings, Sergeant Karen Judge of Police Scotland issued a statement addressing the concerns: “We are aware of the impact that anti-social behaviour has on any community. Officers are working closely with partner agencies to address the issue in Perth city centre.”
Sergeant Judge further affirmed the commitment of law enforcement: “We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour, but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified. Input from members of the community is vital in helping us understand where the problems are happening, and we encourage the public to keep reporting incidents to us. Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101.”
The collective effort of police, partner agencies, and the community is crucial in addressing these issues. By understanding the specific locations and types of incidents, resources can be more effectively deployed to restore public confidence and ensure Perth city centre remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
Anti-social behaviour, formally defined as actions that cause or are likely to cause alarm or distress to individuals, encompasses a wide spectrum of issues. These range from public nuisance and general disturbances to noise complaints, neighbourly disagreements, problematic communications, acts of damage, and illicit public drinking.
An in-depth analysis of reported incidents, derived from official data, has pinpointed the principal areas affected and the prevalent types of anti-social conduct occurring within Perth city centre since the beginning of 2022. This comprehensive overview offers a clearer picture of the challenges facing the community. High Street: A Persistent Area of Concern
The data unequivocally identifies High Street as the foremost hotspot for anti-social behaviour within Perth city centre. With more than 400 recorded incidents since January 2022, this prominent thoroughfare has consistently topped the list year after year. In 2022, 107 incidents were reported, a figure that saw a slight dip to 94 in 2023, only to climb sharply to 131 in 2024. The trend appears to be continuing into the current year, with 87 incidents already logged in the first six months of 2025, significantly outpacing other areas such as Scott Street, which recorded 39 fewer incidents in the same period.
Beyond overall numbers, High Street also accounts for the highest number of “disturbances” – a particularly disruptive category of anti-social behaviour. A total of 143 disturbances have been noted on High Street, representing more than double the second most frequently reported incident type across Perth up to June 2025. This concentration of disruptive events underscores the ongoing challenges faced by those who live, work, and visit this vital part of Perth. Other Affected Areas and Community Impact
Following High Street, two other central Perth locations, South Street and Scott Street, have also recorded high levels of anti-social behaviour, with 305 and 281 incidents respectively since 2022. The cumulative impact across these key streets paints a picture of a city striving to maintain its welcoming atmosphere against a backdrop of persistent issues.
Local business owners have openly expressed their frustrations regarding the situation. One manager of a well-known establishment on High Street described dealing with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting on a “daily basis,” lamenting that it is “never-ending and is only getting worse.” This individual also noted that it came as “no surprise” that High Street emerged as the leading area for such conduct. An independent business manager echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the problem is “rife” and observed daily. They shared concerns that this behaviour deters visitors, stating: “People have told us they’re scared to come into the city centre because of what goes on here. Perth High Street is not what it used to be.” These accounts underscore a palpable sense of decline and a desire for greater safety and order in the city centre. Police Response and Community Involvement
In light of these findings, Sergeant Karen Judge of Police Scotland issued a statement addressing the concerns: “We are aware of the impact that anti-social behaviour has on any community. Officers are working closely with partner agencies to address the issue in Perth city centre.”
Sergeant Judge further affirmed the commitment of law enforcement: “We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour, but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified. Input from members of the community is vital in helping us understand where the problems are happening, and we encourage the public to keep reporting incidents to us. Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101.”
The collective effort of police, partner agencies, and the community is crucial in addressing these issues. By understanding the specific locations and types of incidents, resources can be more effectively deployed to restore public confidence and ensure Perth city centre remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.