Agenda item

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

Inspector Carol Wood, Police Scotland, was in attendance to update the Teviot and Liddesdale Area Forum on performance, activities and issues across the Ward.   A report 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, Inspector Wood reported that with regard to the Drug Dealing and Misuse priority, two males had been found in possession of a class B drug and had been dealt with and reported accordingly.  A 43 year old female was reported for the possession of a class B drug following a drugs house search.  A 19 year old male had been arrested for an offence and once in custody was found in possession of a quantity of tablets.  It was suspected these tablets were class C prohibited substance and once analysed, the relevant charges would be preferred against the male. Police Scotland continued to receive intelligence from the public in relation to drug matters and encouraged this.  Completely anonymous information could be left on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

            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.  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.   It was essential that complaints about driving behaviour were notified to the police via 101 at any time.  

            Tragically, a fatal accident occurred on the evening of Saturday 19 November on the A698 at Knowesouth.  A full traffic collision investigation had been carried out in an effort to establish the cause of the accident.  Information gleaned from this would have a bearing on any future discussions on actions needed to be taken at this location. 

            Vehicles continued to receive parking tickets in the 30 minute zone in Hawick High Street, North Bridge Street and O’Connell Street.  The police would give illegal parking attention whenever possible.  Other incidents included a charge of dangerous driving and four incidents of driving without insurance.  There were also two fixed penalty tickets issued for the use of a mobile phone whilst driving and one for speeding.   The National Festive Drink Driving campaign was underway.  There would be an increase in road checks throughout the day and night in order to deter drink driving and detect those who continued to drive under the influence.  The public were encouraged to report drink drivers either to the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

            In respect of the Violent Crime priority there were no robberies reported during November.  However, there were two serious assaults.  Four males had been charged with an assault on 12 November at North Bridge Street and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.  

            With regard to Antisocial Behaviour, police continued to give attention to the Howegate area at weekends and at other areas where youth problems had been reported.   Throughout November there were eight official police warnings given for antisocial behaviour and two fixed penalty tickets issued.

            The Police continued to ask communities to contribute to the Your View Counts consultation.  The online consultation was open all year.  The link for the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8LMB9WX

            There followed a discussion and Members highlighted that parked cars were affecting businesses on the High Street.   There was also concern with speeding in the Burnfoot area and litter at The Haugh.  In answer to questions, Inspector Wood advised that the police required a specific complaint to enable investigation of CCTV.  With regard to the traffic at The Loan and the safety of children, this was being investigated and there would be a discussion when the results from the speed monitoring equipment had been analysed.  The school have also given parents safety messages.  The new CCTV equipment was working and had a wide coverage.  There would be increased foot patrols in the area and any beggars would be dealt with.

            DECISION

            NOTED the report.