Agenda item

Update report by Police Inspector detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Teviot and Liddesdale area – Copy attached.

Police Sergeant Tom Quinn, Police Scotland, was in attendance to update the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum on performance, activities and issues across the Ward.   A report, by Inspector Carol Wood, had been circulated prior to the meeting.  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, PS Quinn advised that a 23 year old male had been charged twice after being found in possession of a class B drug and had been dealt with accordingly.  Following a house search in Burnfoot a man and woman had been charged with being concerned in the supply of drugs after substances were found within the home address. Police Scotland continued to receive intelligence from the public in relation to drug matters and encouraged this. 

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. Police Scotland continued to link with SBC in obtaining data for areas of complaint, and, where appropriate, had discussions on road improvements. The camera safety vehicle continued to make an appearance in the Teviot and Liddesdale area.  To find out where the camera safety vehicle would be located go to www.lbsafetycameras.co.uk.  Officers patrolled in identified locations and carried out periodic road checks to positively influence driver behaviour. Officers would continue to educate drivers at every opportunity and communicate with young drivers who travelled to meeting points to meet with friends and other car enthusiasts.  Officers paid particular attention to these drivers and the vehicles and thorough examinations were conducted of their vehicles to ensure compliance with road vehicle construction and use regulations.  In certain circumstances, 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 then they should or for breaching yellow line restrictions throughout the town.  The police would continue to give illegal parking attention whenever possible.  Incidents included two vehicles being seized for having no insurance. A male had also been charged with a number of driving offences including disqualified driving.  There were also two fixed penalty tickets for speeding, both on the A7 at Colterscleugh. 

In respect of the Violent Crime priority there was one robbery reported in Hawick during December but no serious assaults.  One of the males had been arrested at the scene and a positive line of enquiry was been followed to apprehend the other male.

With regard to Antisocial Behaviour, high visibility patrols had been carried out, with the aim of reducing disorder and delivering high levels of public reassurance.  Throughout December there were six official police warnings given for antisocial behaviour.  

The report also highlighted that during the festive period there were very few arrests within the Hawick area.  There had been a number of drink drivers detected across the Borders, but very few of them were from the Teviot and Liddesdale area. 

PS Quinn concluded the report by advising that Police Scotland continued to ask communities to contribute to the Your View Counts consultation.  The online consultation was available on https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8LMB9WX 

There followed a discussion and it was noted that Hawick and Hermitage ward councillors would meet with Inspector Wood and PC Lauder regarding speed checks on The Loan. PS Quinn advised that the festive campaign had been positive and antidotal evidence showed that there had been less street disorder than the previous year.  However, there had been a similar level of telephone calls.  Police Scotland continued to have a good relationship with the public and he reminded that completely anonymous information could be left on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In answer to a question by a member of the public regarding the Disc Parking Scheme, Members clarified that there would be a feasibility study in March and a decision on the Scheme would not be made until the outcome of that study was known. 

DECISION

NOTED the report.