Take extra care now the evenings are getting darker
This week Chief Constable Phil Gormley unveiled a fouryear commitment called “Our Approach” which will put the safety of young Scots at the heart of the service.
Created in collaboration with partners and members of the Police Scotland Youth Advisory Panel, the approach identifies five priorities for children and young people: Safety and Protection, Engagement, Prevention, Victims and Witnesses, Offending.
Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: “These priorities are more than just fine words; they link to direct action which will shape the work we do with children and young people over the coming years.
“It’s vital we listen; it’s vital we engage; and it’s vital we provide information about the police service for children and young people that will help them make informed choices.
“This can help them avoid risks ranging from substance abuse to threats emerging from the online world and other harmful behaviours.
“We are ready to start delivering on the commitments we are setting out today which will help improve life chances and positive outcomes for all children and young people.”
Locally the safety of young people in our community is also a priority.
As we all know this weekend sees the official start of winter with the clocks being turned back and a move towards darker evenings, increasing potential for accident for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Also at this time of year, with families and children are out enjoying themselves engaging in Halloween festivities, with the fireworks celebrations and events of the following week, meaning more youngsters and families on our streets, with fun on their mind rather than road safety.
With this in mind , I would ask everyone including parents of younger children and drivers to be aware of the dangers of distraction, urging everyone to take extra care when using our streets.
This time of year sees an increase in fireworks and unfortunately the antisocial use of them.
Fireworks are good fun in the correct environment but can are extremely dangerous when safety instructions are not followed.
I would urge everyone, in particular those involved with young people, who may have access to fireworks, to alert them to the dangers of improper use.
Fireworks should only be bought or sold through licenced retailers, who have strict safety guidelines to adhere to.
The sale of fireworks without a licence, is extremely dangerous, and illegal, and has previously resulted in harm and injury coming to young people.
If you are aware of anyone involved in this trade or behaving irresponsibly while using fireworks contact your local Community Officer, and hopefully by working together we can all enjoy this time of year safely.