Enjoy a safe start to life at university
Officers from Safer Communities have been attending freshers’ weeks around the country to ensure students start their university career the right way.
They have been giving advice on how to stay safe, not just on campus but at home and online too. Over the last few weeks, more than 470,000 students have started back at university or college.
Starting university or college can be a very exciting time however some of the changes involved can make students vulnerable. The undernoted website has a range of advice relating to a number of issues, including staying safe in the residence, using social media and socializing. I would urge both students and parents to read it at www.scotland.police.uk/assets/pdf/174967/212074/358248/ student safetyguide - 2016.
This week the value of community engagement has been highlighted. As a direct result of intervention by members of a community a 68-year -old man has been charged in relation to allegedly carrying out unnecessary maintenance work for a vastly overinflated price in the Bothwell area.
Due to the vigilance of the community, identifying the 85-yearold woman as potentially vulnerable and concerned about workmen at her address, Police Scotland were able to deploy specialist officers.
If you are having work carried out or see someone in you area whom you feel may be vulnerable, with works ongoing, please be aware that, prior to commencement of any work, you should be given a written quotation and notification of your cancellation rights which are currently seven days.
This is also applicable to any additional work the contractor may highlight.
Also do not pay for any works or materials until you are satisfied with the quality of what has been completed, and insist on these terms before any contractor starts.
Bogus workmen prey on vulnerable members of our community and are not always immediately recognisable.
This week our continued fight against vehicle crime continues. Around 11.30pm on Sunday, September 18, a man was disturbed for allegedly breaking into a number of vehicles in the Glasgow Road and Windsor Gardens areas of Hamilton.
Following Police enquiries a 35-year-old man has now been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for these alleged crimes and enquiries are ongoing to establish if he has been responsible for any other crimes in the area.
Constable Watson at Hamilton Police Office is looking for assistance to identify the persons responsible for an unprovoked attack on three 15-year-olds in Quarry Street, Hamilton around, on Saturday, September 17. The youths were minding their own business when they were shouted at a group of four men, one of who assaulted one of the youths. The suspect is described as 5ft 8in tall, with a slim build, twenties, wearing a black skip cap, thick black framed glasses and a black t-shirt and baggy jogging trousers. Anyone with information on these crimes call police 101.