Lighter nights mean more kids in the street

As summer approaches and the lighter nights come in, more motorists than normal will take to the roads in order to enjoy the scenery of Lanarkshire and further afield.

With this increased traffic, also comes a need for improved driver awareness to promote safety for all road users, cars, motorbikes, cycles and pedestrians.

Road safety isn’t just about driving slower, it is about being aware of other road users, especially children.

At this time of year children especially can be pre-occupied by what they are engaged in, which more often than not will not be the roadway they are on.

On Tuesday, in two separate incidents, two children were knocked down by cars.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries, as drivers were driving safely.

As motorists, we all have to be aware of the possibility of someone stepping out in front of a vehicle, chasing a ball or playing games, or more often than not these days for older kids and adults, paying more attention to their phone or the music in their headphones than what is in the roadway front of them.

I would urge all road users, pedestrians and motorist to be extracareful, reduce speed and be aware of all the hazards of the roadway.

As usual in this column I’m looking for assistance to trace witnesses to local crimes.

At about 4.30pm on Monday, May 1, residents in a house in Philips Wynd, Hamilton were outside washing their cars. Having finished, they went inside their house and placed the car-cleaning accessories outside at the rear of the property.

As they returned back inside a male was running from their hall, undoubtedly having been there intent on stealing from the householders.

He is described only as a male wearing dark clothing.

If you were in the area or saw this male run off, please contact Constable Mclaughlin at Hamilton Police Office.

I am also looking for assistance to identify thieves who targeted a builder’s van in Provost Gate, Netherburn.

About 5.30pm on Monday, May 1, the owner of the van was working at a house, when a grey Audi A4 car drew alongside the van.

Two of the occupants of the Audi got out and stole tools from the van and drove off.

If you were in the area or saw a similar car acting in suspicious circumstances please contact Constable Hunter at Hamilton Police Office.

With the help of readers and the community we are successful in arresting offenders.

Last week a 22-year-old male was arrested and charged with nine separate instances of alleged theft from motor vehicles in the Hamilton area.

We also recovered stolen property and were able to return these to their owner.

These crimes illustrate how people intent on committing crime will grasp at any opportunity, no matter of the time or day, so we all need to ensure we are vigilant about locking doors and vehicles, and aware of who is in our area.

If you have any information you feel should be reported or information on any of the crimes previously detailed please contact the police using 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.