Agenda item

Update by Inspector Hodges.

Inspector Hodges advised that the new Multi Member Ward plans for both Tweeddale East and West had been shared prior to publication with the Elected Members and had now been published on the Police Scotland website.  He would report directly in relation to these at future forums.   In referring to Common Ridings, Gatherings and local festivals he advised that Police Scotland along with the Scottish Borders Council’s Emergency Planning Team were pleased that all the main events in the Tweeddale Area had been subject to the Safety Advisory Group or SAG process. This not only allowed all services to provide support and assistance to event organisers but also went a long way to ensuring that local events were held with public safety at the forefront.   Police Licensing Officers were working closely with the Council’s Licensing Department and Licensees to ensure that all licensed events during festivals were run in a professional and safe manner.   He had liaised with Licensing Officers who had reported that they anticipated no issues for the events being held in Tweeddale this year.  The very nature of the Borders and in particular Tweeddale left the community  open to criminals travelling into the area to target isolated premises and the farming community.  These crimes often involved protracted enquiries across many boundaries and were difficult to not only to detect but also to deter.  Police Scotland had recognised this and saw Rural Crime as an area in which partnership working had to be developed.  Inspector Hodges advised he was now part of a group, meeting regularly with colleagues, from Mid, East and West Lothian to share best practice and work together regarding ongoing issues which affected rural communities.  Strong links were being developed with the NFU and local initiatives would take place in the coming months based on areas identified as causing concern.   Together with colleagues from the Fire and Rescue Service, the Police would be starting joint visits to farms to assist in improving security and safety.   Local community schemes such as the Sheep Worrying initiative in Cademuir demonstrated willingness for communities to assist in prevention of crime and would always be supported by  Police Scotland.  The impact of housebreaking, whether a business premises or a garden shed, was significant with those affected often feeling isolated and in fear of further crime. This had been the subject of recent national news coverage, which might have caused concerns.   In the Scottish Borders, Police Officers were working closely with the CID and Community Investigation Units in J Division to ensure thorough investigations were carried out into all such crimes.  Community Officers would ensure local follow up was always carried out in areas affected. The Police were planning a proactive initiative in Tweeddale which would take place later in the summer.  The Community Contact Vehicle for the north area of the Scottish Borders was based at Peebles for use by all the Tweeddale Community Officers.   The mobile stations predecessor was purchased after the sale of Broughton Police Station.  He was encouraging Community Officers to utilise this in the local areas to increase the visibility and interaction on a local level.  If any Community Council had requests for the vehicle for specific issues or to support local initiatives or events, they should contact either Sgt Bruce at Peebles or their local Community Officer direct.  The Community Officers would be using pedal cycles to patrol areas during the summer months.  

DECISION

NOTED the report.