POLICE claim to have taken back control of a community hit by a wave of anti-social behaviour.

Residents in Battlefield and Shawlands have endured months of assaults on property, businesses, homes and infrastructure.

In Battlefield, dozens of attacks saw bus stops, cars, shop fronts, tenement closes and windows targeted by thugs.

In Shawlands, locals said there had been break-ins to closes on Minard Road, stones being thrown at cars from the roof of Shawlands Arcade, throwing fireworks and more smashed glass.

Now Police Scotland has said it has taken a pro-active approach to tackling the issue, which has blighted the area for the past four months.

Chief Inspector Ross Allan said: "Over the past four months, officers in the Shawlands and Battlefield areas have been dealing with an increase in antisocial behaviour.

"As a result, officers launched a prevention, disruption and reassurance plan.

"This included the use of national resources, such as the mounted branch and the support unit.

"It also included an increase in high visibility foot and mobile patrols."

Residents were at the point of suggesting setting up foot patrols of their own in the area after problems spiralled out of control.

The Evening Times first told in November how six bus shelters had been smashed after wrecking spree from Battlefield through Muirend.

At Langside College where damage was reportedly done to windows and classrooms while dozens of other incidents of vandalism were reported across the area.

Mr Allan added: "As part of the ongoing work, officers have facilitated and attended multi-agency meetings to discuss the matter and working in conjunction with partner agencies, a number of diversion and intervention measures are under consideration.

"This action plan has resulted in a significant drop in the number of incidents with minimal disruption now taking place.

"However, local residents can be assured we are not complacent and this action plan will remain in place for the foreseeable future."

Meanwhile, Annie Wells MSP has called for a clamp down on anti-social behaviour across Glasgow.

She said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe community, free from the menace of vandalism, noise and disruptive drunken behaviour.”