Recent incidents in Brucehill and Bonhill show the need for a more visible police presence across West Dunbartonshire, it has been claimed.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie made the calls as she demanded that the Scottish Government ensure policing numbers are maintained - after outgoing Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone admitted savings across the service are necessary.
The Scottish Government says policing remains a top priority.
On February 28 up to 300 people gathered on Graham Road in Brucehill, targeting a home with fireworks and objects. Two men were injured, one of whom was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital and several police vehicles were damaged in the disturbance.
Further incidents in Braehead and Strathleven followed - with police vowing to bring those responsible to justice.
However Ms Baillie says that will not be possible unless investment is made in the police force, after the outgoing Chief Constable warned that it is not possible for the levels of staffing currently available to continue to provide the existing service.
In a letter seen by the Lennox he points to ‘co-location’ with partners which could lead to the loss of more police officers.
Hitting out, Jackie said: “People in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute want to be reassured of their safety with visible, accessible officers.
“With the recent incidents in Brucehill and Bonhill, this is a real concern.
“This letter makes for worrying reading at a time when we have seen violence escalate in West Dunbartonshire communities due to people from outwith the area intent on causing trouble.
“The SNP Government has presided over a reduction in frontline police numbers and know that it is impossible to maintain the level of service with less people on the frontline.
“The SNP Government needs to provide a robust response to this scathing letter and must address the ongoing problems surrounding police numbers.
“The number of officers has to be safeguarded. Otherwise the safety of communities across Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond as well as those across Scotland are in jeopardy.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Policing is and will continue to be a priority for this Government.
“While operational matters and staffing priorities are always rightly for the Chief Constable, the Scottish Government remains committed to working closely with both the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland to ensure we continue to have a safe, protected and resilient Scotland.
“Scotland has more police officers per capita than England and Wales and our officers have significantly higher pay ranges with a starting salary for a constable in Scotland around £5,000 more than in England and Wales.
“Recorded crime is also at one of the lowest levels seen since 1974, down 42 percent since 2006-07.
“Despite UK Government austerity, and in recognition of the crucial role Police Scotland officers and staff play keeping our communities safe, the service will receive additional resource funding of £80million in 2023-24, a 6.3 percent increase compared to 2022-23.”
