Scottish Borders Council

Agenda item

Police Scotland

Update report by Police Inspector detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Teviot and Liddesdale Area.  (Copy attached).

Minutes:

There had been circulated a report from Inspector Carol Wood, Police Scotland, updating the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Locality Committee on performance activities and issues in the area.  The Ward Plan priorities for Teviot and Liddesdale were highlighted as Drug Dealing and Misuse, Road Safety, Violent Crime and Antisocial Behaviour.  In summary, with regard to the Drug Dealing and Misuse priority, Inspector Wood advised that during May, four separate males had been charged with possession of a controlled substance after being searched by officers.  The males were aged 16-29 and were all from the Hawick area.  Also in May, Police were called to a dispute in Earl Street, Hawick.  A male was searched and found in possession of a controlled substance and also an uncapped needle. The male was charged with possession as well as culpable and reckless conduct.

 

5.2       In terms of the Road Safety priority, Community Officers continued to give attention to areas where they had received complaints of speeding and inconsiderate driving.  In certain circumstances, motor vehicles could be seized by Police where there was evidence that the vehicle was being driven carelessly or off road.  It was essential that complaints about driving behaviour were notified to the police via 101 at the time.    Vehicles continued to receive parking tickets and drivers were warned for parking longer than they should or breaching yellow line restrictions throughout the town.  During May officers in Denholm observed a caravan being towed with no lights to the rear.  Officers stopped the vehicle and found that the 19 year old driver and his passenger did not have the correct driving authorisation for towing a vehicle.  Both were charged with various driving offences.  There was also an incident at the Sandbed roundabout, when a man crashed his vehicle into the barrier.  He was found to be driving without insurance and charged accordingly.  Also in May, officers were called to a domestic disturbance at Eildon Road, Hawick, where the perpetrator had made off in his vehicle.  Officers located the male and he was subsequently arrested for failing a breath test.  He was charged with drink driving as well as breach of the peace.   There were also a number of road checks carried out during the month, resulting in fixed penalty tickets being issued for speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and one vehicle being seized under antisocial behaviour legislation.               Inspector Wood highlighted the Drivewise Project which had been well received by those participating.  The Young Persons’ and Older Peoples’ Driving programmes continued, there was no cost to those participating and community councils were encouraged to promote the programme across their areas.  Further information was available at www.drivewiseborders.co.uk/index.html

 

5.3       In respect of the Violent Crime priority, there was one serious assault reported in Hawick during May.   A 14 year old male had been assaulted in the Burnfoot area by four youths aged 13 and 14.  The youths were charged with assault and have been reported through the youth justice system.  Also in May, a male was charged with housebreaking as well as being in possession of drugs and a knife when searched by officers.  The male has been detained in custody for appearance at court. 

 

5.4       With regard to the Antisocial Behaviour priority, there was one fixed penalty ticket as well as eight police warnings given for antisocial behaviour.

 

5.5       Inspector Wood went on to advise that in the main the Common Riding events had ran smoothly and without issue.  However, Police had dealt with a number of issues at Hawick Mair on Common Riding Friday, alcohol playing a part.  A full debrief would be held with Hawick Common Riding Committee and learning points and areas for improvement for next year’s event would be discussed.

 

5.6       To conclude her report, Inspector Wood referred to recent terrorist events.  She reassured the Committee that Police Scotland were working with those responsible for large scale events in order to keep people safe.  This had included Hawick Common Riding and this focus would be maintained on local events throughout the summer months.  The current threat for International Terrorism was at severe, this meant that an attack was highly likely and we should remain alert.  When the threat level had been critical there had been an increase in numbers and visibility of Police at events.    The Police would act on information from the public who reported suspicious people or behaviour and would provide an appropriate response to the information given. Inspector Wood encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and “If you suspect it, report it” by contacting Police Scotland directly by calling 101 or reporting through the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. If there was an attack the ‘Stay Safe’ principles (Run Hide Tell) gave actions to consider at an incident.  Full details were available on the Police Scotland website at www.scotland.police.uk  

 

            The Chairman thanked Inspector Wood for the comprehensive report and it was suggested that officers from Crimestoppers could be invited to give a presentation to a future Locality Committee to reassure the public of confidentiality when information was received by them.  The Committee congratulated Police Scotland on their Drivewise Project and the Young Persons’ and Older Peoples’ Driving programmes.  However, the number of fatal road accidents in the Scottish Borders was of concern.  Inspector Wood advised that following a serious road accident, the site was scrutinised and road safety measures investigated. 

 

DECISION

(a)        NOTED the report;

 

(b)       AGREED to invite Crimestoppers to attend a future Locality Committee to give a presentation.

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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