Councillor links ‘ breach’ rise to Scottish Cup tie

A councillor believes that an increase in breach of the peace offences in Ayr North in February was a result of Ayr’s Scottish Cup clash against Rangers.

Police gave their monthly report to both North Ayr and Newton and Heathfield Community Councils last month.

Officers said there had been 17 breach of the peace incidents in February compared to five 12 months ago.

Rangers won the Scottish Cup tie at Somerset Park 6- 1 on February 11.

Tory councillor Ian Davis: “I wonder if that period took in the large crowds for the football and Scottish Cup and the large number of breach of the peace relates to that.”

Police at the meetings said they didn’t have a breakdown of the figures.

The meetings heard that there were no significant issues with parking in the area because of the match.

During their report to the meetings, police said that the number of housebreakings had increased from four to seven.

Motor crime had doubled from three in February 2087 to six this February.

During that period, drug offences had decreased significantly from 15 last year to eight.

But the number of assaults had shot up from 11 to 17.

Drink and disqualified driving had increased by one to two.

The report was complied for the meetings by Inspector John Hendry

He said that detection rates remained high for assaults and for breach of the peace.

But he warned that detection rates remained low for house break- ins and car crime.

Residents were warned to remain vigilant and urged not leave valuables in cars. Anyone spotting anyone acting suspiciously near cars or homes were encouragedto contact police on 101.