No let up from cruel crooks
I recently highlighted a particularly nasty crime in which two bogus workmen conned their way into the house of an elderly women and stole cash from her purse.
Unfortunately, since then, there have been more incidents involving bogus callers.
One was a female purporting to be delivering a free newspaper. She distracted the elderly female householder by asking for a glass of water while an associate entered the house and stole jewellery.
Others involved apparent ‘workmen’ and charging grossly inflated prices for carrying out very little or no work at all.
Although we have had success in catching perpetrators, there are still unscrupulous individuals intent on preying on vulnerable people in this area.
My advice is to be very careful of anyone who presents themselves at your door. Check their identification and, if you have any doubts at all, politely ask them to leave.
Legitimate callers will expect to be challenged and will not object to householders demonstrating caution.
On no account let strangers into your house — not even to use the toilet or get a drink of water — unless you are entirely sure their intentions are honest.
If you have your suspicions about anyone in your area, please phone us immediately.
It will be treated as a priority.
As many of you will know, the Coloursfest dance music event was held at Braehead last Saturday night.
This attracted a crowd of approximately 5,500 — the majority of whom enjoyed themselves in a safe and orderly manner.
However, despite a large deployment of police officers and security staff, it is evident that many present were using this as an opportunity to sell and consume drugs, including hard drugs that we know to be extremely dangerous.
Due to the diligence of police and security staff , 18 people were arrested for drugs offences, but the fear is that this was perhaps just the tip of the iceberg.
We will be engaging with organisers and our partners in Renfrewshire Council to ensure that everything possible is being done to maximise safety at similar functions in the future .
I’m mindful of the considerable value of large events to the local economy and I certainly don’t want to spoil anybody’s fun.
I do, however, believe that, especially at a time when we have so many tragedies to remind us of the dangers of drug misuse, it is legitimate to continuously evaluate how we
can best keep people safe.
The priority of all the police officers and staff based in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde is to look after the safety of people living, working and socialising in the area.
However, I also have responsibility for the safety of the officers and staff and it is important to highlight what they can face on a daily basis.
Over the course of last weekend, five local officers were assaulted, including three who were spat upon.
Clearly, this is unacceptable and, although it is all too common, such incidents should never be treated as routine or part of the job, any more than it should be for others working in blue-light or caring professions.
On a positive note, officers working here know they have the full support of the overwhelming number of residents and appreciate all the occasions when their help is acknowledged.
Don’t be shy of saying hello — and the odd cup of tea is allowed.