Agenda item

Consider an update for the local Police Inspector detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Cheviot area.  (Copy attached.)

6.0       POLICE FORCE OF SCOTLAND – UPDATE FOR ‘J’ DIVISION

6.1       Inspector Wood was present at the meeting to update the Cheviot Locality Committee on performance, activities and issues across the Ward for the period 1 June 2017 to 31 August 2017.  During the reporting period, Inspector Wood advised that five persons had been charged with possessing a controlled substance.  Four of these related to the town of Jedburgh and one St Boswells.  Additionally one male was reported for possession with intent to supply a controlled substance in St Boswells.  Two of the above persons were reported following the executive of drugs search warrants at their home addresses.  The Police would remain visible in the community to develop intelligence on people who deal in and use controlled drugs.  Work with partners, combining education and enforcement strategies would continue together with intelligence received from the public in relation to drug matters whether that is persons being in possession or persons dealing drugs.  Completely anonymous information can be left on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  In terms of Road Safety, a number of road checks had been carried out and a number of drivers have been charged with various road traffic offences following incidents or accidents over the last three months notably: A thirty–two year old male charged with a drink driving offence following an incident on 2^nd of June in Jedburgh.  On the 9th of July a twenty-nine year old male was cautioned and charged with failing to have a valid driving licence, no MOT and no insurance following reported driving behaviour which culminated in two accidents. Additionally he has been charged with offences relating to providing identity details.  A forty-nine year old male was charged with failing to possess a valid licence or MOT whilst driving in Jedburgh on 13^th July and His vehicle was seized.  A John Deere tractor with a towed red trailer damaged two cars in Jedburgh on 27^th of July. The male driver failed to stop and enquiries to date have not traced him.  Also during the reporting period one driver had been issued a fixed penalty notice for driving whilst using a mobile phone and two further notices were issued for speeding offences.  In terms of Anti-Social Behaviour, A number of individuals had been charged with causing a breach of the peace.  These incidents were isolated and there was no pattern to them.  It was further reported that Rural Crime thefts of fuel had been reported from HGV operators whilst the vehicles had been parked and secure within industrial estates in the locality. Locked fuel caps had been forced in these cases.  Two incidents of the theft of phone cable had been reported where persons had cut underground cables at maintenance access points.  Two four foot gates forming a ‘kissing gate’ on a SBC maintained countryside walk were stolen on 20^th July and following a series of presentations of counterfeit currency in the area a twenty-four year old male was charged with such an offence in Jedburgh.

6.2         In terms of Kelso and District, the final stages of the recruitment process for the appointment of the Station Assistant Post at Kelso Police Station were awaited and it was hoped to appoint a candidate in the near future.  In terms of Dishonesty, there had been one theft by housebreaking committed in the reporting period, which related to the theft of a horsebox and equipment from Kaimeknowe Stables overnight between the 29^th and 30^th August and enquiries were ongoing in relation to this crime.  It was again highlighted the need to take extra steps to maintain the security of homes, following reports of a prowler in the Wallaceneuk area of Kelso and the public were asked for extra vigilance to prevent thefts.  There was a Drivewise Project running in partnership with the emergency services, The Institute Of Advanced Motorists, Scottish BordersCouncil and supported by John Cleland and Volvo UK to which all schools across the Borders were sending their young people to get a driving experience at the Charterhall airfield.  This had been really well received by those participating and had allowed road safety messages to be delivered along with a positive experience of learning to drive.  The young persons and older peoples driving programmes continued to run and these were sponsored so there was not a cost to those participating.  There had been one drink driving offence reported in the Kelso area and the Police notified media outlets of all drink driving offences to highlight this to the community.  In terms of Drug Dealing and Misuse of Drugs, it was reported that there had been 8 drugs offences in the Kelso during the reporting period.  There had been a number of concerns with regards to Antisocial Behaviour in the area around Roger Fish Gardens, Kelso.  A multi-agency approach had been implemented and the police would continue to support the residents there, we would encourage the reporting of all issues and where required telephone the police to report incidents.

6.3         Action Against Violence campaign, aimed to reduce the number of violent incidents and improve the safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities.”  During recent public surveys, violent crime was ranked as a key concern, placing it as one of Police Scotland's top priorities. As such, the One Punch Can Ruin Two Lives campaign had been introduced to raise awareness of the consequences that one punch can have on two people’s lives.  “One punch can kill and could result in facing a jail sentence. We want people to enjoy their nights out but at the same time to drink responsibly and consider how much alcohol they were consuming and the effect it had on their decision making and judgement.”  More details are on the Police Scotland website.   During August an information event was held at Eildon Mill, Tweedbank, encouraging members of the public to consider volunteering with the Police as a Special Constable.  This was very successful and well attended and was part of a long term plan to recruit more Special Constable Officers.  More information was available on the website along with all of the information you need to apply.  There were currently a number of officers volunteering alongside their full time colleagues, they were an important and valued support in delivering first class services in the area.  Finally in terms of Student Safety, Police Scotland were delivering vital safety advice to students at Fresher’s Weeks around the country as part of the Student Safety Campaign, which was launched on 5 September 2017.  The campaign provided tips on how to enjoy student life while avoiding potential dangers, and covered advice on home and property security, Online Safety, Party Safety, Identity Safety, Water Safety and Illicit Trade.  Students were encouraged to think about how secure their accommodation was, and giving useful tips on how best to prevent their home being targeted by thieves.  Students were also being reminded to record details of all valuables, such as laptops, phones etc. which could be logged into Immobilise.com, so if they do experience a theft and the police recover the items, they can be returned to the owner.   With social media being a large part of a student’s life, there’s useful advice reminding students that “what goes online stays online” and not to leave themselves open to criminal charges or vulnerable to blackmail.  In response to a question about special constables, Inspector Scott explained the role of a Special constable.  Concerns were raised about the boy racers in the car park and at Allers Mill, Inspector Wood advised that the police were working on this although cautioned that they did not want to displace the problem to another area.  The Police were alerted to the fact that some drivers were ignoring the one way system at the top of Roxburgh Street, Kelso in order to access the Cobby and the Police agreed to look into this.   

     DECISION

     NOTED the report.