Agenda item

Update report by Police Inspector detailing ongoing work and initiatives in the Cheviot area. 

Inspector John Scott was present at the meeting to update the Cheviot Area Forum on performance, activities and issues across the Ward for the period up to 30 November 2016.  The Ward Plan Priorities for Jedburgh and District were highlighted as Drug Dealing and Misuse, Road Safety, Anti-Social Behaviour and Rural Crime.  During the reporting period, Inspector Scott advised that three individuals were charged with possessing controlled substances.  A 40 year old male was found in charge of a vehicle, which he had crashed on the Kelso to Maxton road.  The male had consumed alcohol and was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance.  He was charged with various road traffic offences and was kept in police custody for appearance the following day. Police Scotland would remain visible in the community to develop intelligence on people who dealt in and use controlled drugs.  Work with partners continued, combining education and enforcement strategies.  Intelligence from the public was crucial in relation to drug matters whether that was persons being in possession or persons dealing drugs,  Completely anonymous information could be left on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

In relation to Rural Thefts, a fire was reported at West Mains Farm, Ancrum.  This resulted in three large haystacks and tractor, with significant monetary value being totally destroyed.  This was only a week after a fire had been reported at the same farm, where a combine harvester and hay were destroyed.  Extensive enquiries were ongoing into both these incidents.

In terms of Road Safety, tragically a fatal accident occurred on the evening of Saturday 19 November 2016 on the A698 at Knowesouth.  There were two vehicles involved and the driver of one of the vehicles sustained fatal injuries.  Full traffic collision investigation was carried out in an effort to establish the cause of the accident and the information was still being analysed.  Discussions were ongoing between Police and Scottish Borders Council to explore whether any road improvements could be introduced at this location.  A number of road checks had been carried out during the reporting period, which resulted in one driver being given a warning for the anti-social use of a vehicle in Jedburgh.  A number of drivers had been charged with various road traffic offences following incidents or accidents over the last three months.   One person was charged with drink driving (in addition to the male who crashed a vehicle as mentioned above).  Five people were charged with careless driving.  One of these incidents involved a vehicle striking a motorbike and the motorcyclist sustaining a number of broken bones from which he should make a full recovery.  A driver of a Peter Hogg bus lost control of the bus while carrying passengers as it travelled down Canongate, swerving as it went, hitting a wall and another vehicle then continuing to travel towards Duck Row Bridge where it became partially impaled on the bridge parapet, almost landing in the Jed Water.   Extensive examination of the vehicle and inquiries were carried out, resulting in the driver being charged with dangerous driving.  A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.  Five people had been detected and charged for driving without insurance and other driving related documentation offences.

In terms of Anti-Social Behaviour a number of individuals in Jedburgh had been charged with causing a breach of the peace.  These incidents were isolated and there was no pattern to them.  Of particular concern was an incident of attempted murder that occurred in October in Inchmyre estate in Kelso.  This incident required a large number of officers to gather the evidence available.  The officers working on the enquiry recognised the significant support from the community who reported key information.  A local man was arrested and has been remanded in custody pending court proceedings.  A further incident reported to the police on the 30^th October resulted in a man being seriously assaulted in the Square, Kelso.  A man was arrested and appeared at court in relation to this incident.  Anyone who is the victim of antisocial behaviour, should report this at the time of the incident to the police or if it was an ongoing issue, this could be reported to the Antisocial Behaviour Unit helpline on 0800 028 5711.

Business premises in Station Yard, Kelso were forcibly entered overnight and a quantity of cash was stolen, enquiries were ongoing in relation to the incident.  In terms of Drink Driving Offences, there had been 3 instances of drink driving in the Kelso area in the reporting period, calls were continually received from the public in relation to this and the police would always act on these calls.  This would form a key part of the local festive initiative and officers would be carrying out road checks the morning after Christmas parties, the simple message was if in doubt do not risk driving.  Officers continued to patrol Kelso town centre and would enforce parking offences during the festive initiative.  The festive period was a busy time for all communities with an increase in social events, shopping and family gatherings. The increase in activity resulted in higher alcohol consumption, gatherings of diverse groups at social functions, higher volumes of people within licensed premises, and increased traffic on the roads at a time when inclement weather conditions could prove hazardous.  Historically the Police saw an increase in incidents and crimes over the festive period, specifically relating to violence and domestic abuse which peaked and a rise in overall disorder and road traffic offences. Often these incidents presented a significant risk to the safety of members of the public and emergency responders.  In response to this, Police Scotland had put in place a detailed plan to focus on key areas as described, with a greater emphasis on Keeping People Safe.   The plan for Lothians and Scottish Borders (J Division) was tailored to the local area and fed into the overarching National initiative.

Police Scotland consultation continued and Inspector Scott asked that all community councils promoted this across their communities.  They were interested in hearing from all sections of the community including minority groups and young people, as all views would shape the future priorities of the police in the area.  The online consultation was open all year which allowed everyone to participate when it suited them and gave the flexibility of being able to re-submit the consultation if their priorities changed.  The link for the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8LMB9WX

In answer to a question, Inspector Scott advised that from 31 December 2016 it would be an offence to use, possess or acquire an air weapon in Scotland, without holding an air weapon certificate.  Old weapons, such as family heirlooms also required an air weapon certificate.

DECISION

NOTED the report.