Domestic abuse and fly tipping are on the radar
Chief Inspector issues warning to perpetrators
As I am writing this we are between storms and without tempting fate we have coped really well this year.
This should not mean that we become complacent and I ask that you give a bit of thought to the elderly and infirm in the community. A quick check and a chat takes so little time but means so much.
In the last month I have attended a number of interesting meetings and events. I recently met with members of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) and have agreed to work with them to tackle issues that have a huge impact not only on farmers but on our communities.
One of the biggest concerns discussed was fly tipping which is an environmental issue affecting us all. My officers shall be working with our partners to identify places where rubbish is being illegally dumped and deal with the individuals involved.
You can play your part by reporting such illegal activity to the council and anyone found guilty of such an offence will face a hefty fine.
Last year Police Scotland dealt with over 60,000 incidents relating to domestic abuse – 81 per cent of the victims are women. The statistics tell us that there is a slight increase at weekends, but not significant. It happens every day of the week. Police officers, including me, have taken part in additional and updated training on domestic abuse and new legislation in relation to coercive or controlling behaviour which has been implemented to better protect victims of a sustained pattern of domestic abuse.
This means that victims who experience the type of behaviour that stops short of serious physical violence, but amounts to extreme psychological and emotional abuse, can bring their perpetrators to justice.
We have been trained to recognise the signs and support victims to safety. If you or anyone you know is suffering please seek support from the police or our partners;
Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 027 1234;
Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire: 01355 249 897 www.wasl.org.uk.
In the last week Police Scotland Safer Communities officers from Lanarkshire have been delivering training on ‘Keep Safe’ along with the charity ‘I Am Me Scotland’.
Keep Safe is a national network of safe places that anyone can use to seek assistance if they feel lost, scared or vulnerable while out in the community. We are working with with local businesses to create Keep Safe Places such as libraries, health centres and sports centres.
These places can be used by anyone feeling lost, frightened or who has been a victim of crime. Through training delivered by Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland, local staff are trained to offer assistance to those in need of support when required.
Finally I would like to make readers aware of the Police Scotland recruitment campaign. We are looking for hardworking, enthusiastic motivated people who are looking for job satisfaction to join us.
The Police Scotland website has all the details and I can confirm that it is a rewarding and extraordinary job.