Community cops Colin Elliott and Barry O’Connor get on their bikes to forge closer links with the public in Greenhills, Whitehills and Lindsayfield
Andrea O’Neill
Old-fashioned bobbies on the beat have made a comeback across East Kilbride and Avondale.
And for crime-fighting community cops Colin Elliott and Barry O’Connor, going back to basics has, so far, been hugely beneficial to both the police service and the public they protect.
Since a review of community policing came into force in May, 12 new officers in the dedicated local problem-solving team for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Chapelton – guided by the area commander and community inspector – have been responding to the needs of local folk.
PCs Colin and Barry were handed ownership of the Greenhills, Whitehills and Lindsayfield area and, after spending a day on the beat with them, it was clear their presence alone was having a positive impact on the community.
The local officers insist their new community roles are helping Police Scotland gain more intelligence to crack down on crime.
“By going back to the way it used to be – being visible and approachable in the community – more people are interacting with the police and telling us about local issues,” said Colin.
“We’ll cycle up to Greenhills Square and sit for a good half hour and people will come up to us – they know who were are.”
In their first two weeks, Colin and Barry uncovered a cannabis cultivation in Greenhills thanks to local intelligence.
“We had a cuppa with a lady who told us about drug dealing where she stays,” Colin said. “It was acted on and we got a good haul of drugs.
“Being in the local problem-solving team, we’ve got time to do enquiries into people’s movements. That’s what we’re all about and that’s what we’re there for.”
Barry added: “Working in the community gives us the chance to interact with the public on a more personal level and find out exactly what is bothering people first hand. We come into contact with them every day so once they get used to our faces relevant information starts coming through.”
The officers are encouraged by their area commander and community inspector to visit community centres, pubs and bookies and they routinely spend time in sheltered housing complexes where they listen to elderly residents’ concerns and warn of the dangers of bogus workmen and cold callers.
Colin said: “We have a blether and a cuppa and the information we get sometimes is incredible.”
“Schools are also important to visit,” added Barry. “It’s about breaking down the barriers with the kids to say we are actually here to help.”
And the duo say the “fantastic” feedback they have received from locals makes it all worthwhile.
“The feedback has been very positive from all aspects of the community,” said Colin.
“Even a boy we jailed on a warrant said we were good guys because he knew us and was happy it was us who was dealing with him.
“Plus we are getting fit on a daily basis on foot patrol and on our bikes.”
Local knowledge of the layout of the town is crucial.
Colin went on: “The way East Kilbride is built there are a lot of back alleys and internal paths so if you’re driving a patrol car you wouldn’t be able to see what’s going on behind the houses. But if you’re on a bike you can get right up behind people and you know all the little rat runs that the miscreants might use.”
The cops revealed the main trouble hotspot in their ward is in a wooded area in Greenhills near to Carnoustie Crescent which is used as a drinking den for local youths.
“We give that area extra attention with extra patrols in the evening,” Barry said. “Aside from that we have resolved youth disorder in other areas like Pine Crescent where the sheltered housing complex is.
“Some kids thought it would be funny to throw stones at vulnerable elderly people who got really frightened and intimidated by it. We try to educate them so they realise that not only is it wrong, it’s dangerous as well because this type of behaviour really affects the quality of life of some of these people.”
Colin added: “We purposely cycle round the sheltered housing and whistle or look out and give them a wave so residents are reassured by that.
“We had an eight-year-old kid who was throwing bags of dog’s dirt into Greenhills Library. The fact that we were up here for the staff to highlight the issue and deal with it immediately shows what being in the community is all about. People know where to come.”
The personal touch is proving a powerful tool.
Barry said: “Members of the public feel they have a more direct route to people they know rather than just dialling a number. We will deal with the issue right until its conclusion.
“If you go from call to call as a response officer you don’t have time for that. Going back to the way it used to be has been hugely beneficial.
“That’s the two most important things for us – intelligence gathering and public reassurance. We tailor our job to meet the needs of the community and you see the benefits because people come up to you in the street and say ‘this is great’ so we’re doing something right. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Colin, who was stationed in Glasgow for 14 years, added: “We are flexible and responsive to local needs and demands. That is what people want and we love it. This is the best job I’ve had in the police so far.”
And it seems as if East Kilbride and Avondale’s residents appreciate going back to the future when it comes to policing.
This is the best job I’ve had in the police so far...