Police have a crucial role in preventing suicide

I have previously explained that much of the work undertaken by your local officers relates to matters which are not of a criminal nature.

On a daily basis we receive a number of calls regarding concerns for the welfare of people in our communities. This can relate to missing people and can also be in relation to mental health issues.

In order to deal with these issues we work closely with our partners.

This week is suicide prevention week and in partnership with other agencies including the NHS and Samaritans, we aim to raise awareness of the impact of suicide and highlight resources available.

Suicide is a major health issue worldwide, the impact of which is devastating – economically, psychologically and emotionally – for all those effected, and is felt throughout communities everywhere.

Police Scotland has a crucial role to play in preventing suicide as police officers and staff are regularly the first point of contact for people in distress, in need of medical or psychiatric assistance or as a result of the individual’s action.

Further information on suicide prevention can be found at www.suicide-prevention.org.uk.

Moving on to recent matters. We received a call about 7.45pm on Tuesday evening regarding youths throwing objects onto the M74 motorway from a walkway, a quarter of a mile before junction 8 southbound. We did not find any trace of anyone on our attendance, however we will be providing extra attention in relation to this as the serious potential consequences of this behaviour are obvious.

We have had a number of thefts over the last week.

A black VW golf was stolen from outside a property on Glasgow Road, Uddingston, between 8.30pm on Thursday night and 8am the following morning.

We also had a break-in to a unit within Fullwood Industrial Estate, Hamilton between 11am on Saturday and 9.40am on Sunday with a quantity of cash having been stolen.

We have also had a break-in to the Overton Farm Shop, Crossford and Crossford Village Hall overnight on Monday into Tuesday.

We have arrested and charged a 48-year-old man for theft of a charity tin from a premises on Gateside Street, Hamilton which occurred on August 27.

Over the forthcoming week we will continue to focus on disorder issues around Hamilton Town Centre.

We have made a number of arrests over the past few days and through partnership working we have seen action taken against a number of those involved in anti-social behaviour in this area.

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