SERIOUS violent crime and drug crime has doubled in Renfrew North, according to a recent report.

From January to March 2015 the number of recorded cases of serious violent crime in the area was three and in the same period in 2016 the number rose to six.

The number of drug crimes recorded also soared from 26 in 2015 to 56 in 2016 between January and March.

There was also an increase in calls from members of the public regarding disorder and anti social behaviour and Robertson Park was mentioned as a hotspot area for crime.

The report was put before elected members of Renfrew and Gallowhill Area Committee yesterday.

It stated: “Although there are some areas where the number of reported incidents has increased, this can be largely attributed to the success of an increase in communications and publicity in the area to promote the services delivered by the Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership and increased reporting of particular problems.”

Crimes such as minor assault and vandalism decreased during this period of time with reports of minor assault falling from 32 to 16.

In Renfrew South and Gallowhill reports of drug crime increased slightly from 29 in January to March 2015 to 32 in the same period in 2016 while the number of serious violent crimes reported stayed the same.

Dog fouling continues to be a concern for residents in the Renfrew and Gallowhill area.

During the period January to March 2016, 15 per cent of all complaints to Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership (Community Resources) were related to dog fouling.

More than 550 community safety patrols were undertaken in the area with a number of targeted interventions.

However, the report states that it continues to be the case that catching irresponsible owners at the point that dog fouling occurs remains very challenging.

Meanwhile, Renfrewshire Community Safety Wardens, working in partnership with the council’s licensing officers and Police Scotland carried out emissions testing on light vehicles. The bi-annual event took place in March and more than 350 vehicles which entered the air quality management area in Paisley town centre were tested.

Fixed penalty notices were issued to six drivers and there were also five warnings issued for minor vehicle defects.