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 Scott was present at the meeting to update the Cheviot Locality Committee on performance, activities and issues across the Ward for the period 1 September 2017 to 31 October 2017.  During the reporting period, Inspector Scott advised that four persons had been charged with possessing a controlled substance within the Jedburgh area. Additionally one male was reported for production of a cannabis cultivation and supplying a controlled substance.  The cultivation was discovered when officers attended at an address in an outlying area of Jedburgh.   The Police would remain visible in the community to develop intelligence on people who deal in and use controlled drugs.  In terms of Road Safety, There had been very few incidents of note during the reporting period relating to road issues.  In the early morning of 21 October 2017, a passing motorist came across a one vehicle accident just north of Jedburgh on the A68.  The driver had exited the vehicle uninjured and when officers attended, the male was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently charged with a drink driving offence and reported accordingly.   On 20 October 2017 a report was received of careless driving.  The driver of a vehicle had overtaken another vehicle in a dangerous position, just north of Jedburgh.  The complainer needed to take evasive action to prevent a road crash and a positive line of enquiry was being progressed to trace the offending driver.  A number of road checks had been carried out, which resulted in one driver being issued with a fixed penalty notice for a speeding offence.   In terms of Anti-Social Behaviour, a number of individuals had been charged with causing a breach of the peace.  In terms of rural crime, it was reported that fuel theft had occurred in Jedburgh, Ancrum and St Boswells and enquiries were ongoing.  Overnight on 16/18 September 2017, pens containing partridges were opened near to Longleefoot Farm and the birds set free and overnight on 27/28 September 2017, a shed at Longnewton Sawmill was entered and property stolen, the rural location makes it difficult to establish who was responsible for this theft.

6.2       In terms of Kelso and District, police were investigating a fraud between the 23 and 26 October where an 85-year-old man was visited at home in Tweedsyde Park, Kelso.  Access was gained to his personal computer and a five figure sum of money removed from his bank account.  This was an unusual crime in that the culprits tricked their way into the home to commit the crime rather than doing this on the telephone or online.

Inquiries were ongoing to identify the suspect and communities were reminded never to let any unsolicited callers into their homes or provide them with access to any of your personal details or information.  Keeping your information safe is crucial and those involved in these crimes are simply looking for an easy victim.  In terms of road safety, drivers were reminded to pay particular attention to the road conditions over the coming months in particular on rural roads.  It was reported that there will some prolonged cold conditions forecast in the coming weeks and drivers should pay attention to advice issued by Scottish Borders Council and the Police with regards to road conditions.  The SB Alert messaging system was used widely by agencies and weather and driving advice will be issued through this system.  There had been 5 drugs offences in the Kelso area, all of which were related to possession offences.  Police Scotland were running a month long campaign to prevent livestock worrying and the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, a multi-agency partnership which includes Police Scotland, National Farmers Union of Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates, was working with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Kennel Club and the National Sheep Association (Scotland) to promote responsible dog walking in the countryside.  Rural dog owners and those who chose to exercise their dogs in the countryside must ensure they are under control at all times and try to avoid going into fields where livestock was grazing.   Farmers and Landowners were being encouraged to engage with dog walkers and to help keep them informed by putting up signs on gateways and on key roads and paths alerting them to the presence of sheep and other livestock in their fields and suggesting alternative routes

DECISION

NOTED the report.