Road closed after trailers set on fire
The Lanarkshire Road Safety Governance Board was due to meet at Motherwell Police Office on Tuesday, but was cancelled due to the heavy snow and difficult road conditions.
Slightly ironic I guess, but it does stress the need that when we have more extreme weather conditions you should only travel when your journey is really necessary.
The meeting of this multi-agency group will be re-arranged soon. It is held quarterly and chaired by Lanarkshire Police and Division, and also in attendance are Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, North and South Lanarkshire Councils and Transport Scotland.
The agenda includes all matters relating to road safety and the road network infrastructure across Lanarkshire such as road policing issues/casualties, hotspots/areas of concern, drink/drug driving statistics, planned roadworks and new road developments.
The main priority of the group is the safety of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, those using public transport and all other road users. Other shared aims include minimising disruption and congestion on the roads, to reduce journey times, journey costs and improving health and the environment by encouraging alternative modes of transport.
Last week we had a road closure due to two trailers that were deliberately set on fire on the main road between Larkhall and Stonehouse. This happened about 4.30am on January 10. The road was closed for most of the remainder of the day. HGVS are regularly parked at this location and it is rare for them to be targeted in such a way. Fortunately no-one was hurt, but there could have been fatal consequences to such a reckless act, not forgetting the cost of damage and impact on other road users.
We have good successes again this week targeting criminals determined to steal property.
On January 11, a 25-year-old male was arrested for allegedly breaking into a property in Ashgill and stealing a significant amount of property, including a motor vehicle. The vehicle was also recovered following good work by officers. The male was detained in police custody and appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
In the early hours of on January 14, officers in Stonehouse arrested two males for allegedly breaking into an unoccupied property in New Street. They also allegedly set a fire within the property and stole a variety of items. This is not thought to be linked to the fire mentioned earlier. A 24-year-old and a 29-year-old male were arrested and detained in police custody and appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
We are appealing for any information about criminals active in the Netherburn area. In the early hours of January 11, sheds, garages and outbuildings were broken into by two males, only described as having their faces covered. They made off on being disturbed.
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.