LAYING Thanks for drinking responsibly
WITH DIVISIONAL COMMANDER CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ALAN MURRAY
Last week saw the opening of beer gardens in Scotland for the first time since lock down began and its fair to say that our policing plan was based around the real possibility of an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour around licenced premises.
I’m delighted to report that to date this hasn’t been the case at all, and I would like to thank the owners of these establishments for their responsible management during this difficult time and the wider public who have cooperated with the new rules and regulations.
As we go into the weekend and the further full opening of licenced premises shortly, I really hope this behaviour continues and we continue to work together to get through this phase of lockdown easing safely.
A couple of incidents to update you on. Midmorning on Friday, July 3, members of the public in Johnstone High street reported a male brandishing a weapon in an aggressive manner.
This behaviour is completely unacceptable and no doubt the cause of significant alarm to people going about their business.
I’m glad to report a 28-year-old man was arrested nearby and spent the weekend in custody before appearing at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday where he was remanded in prison.
The same day, plainclothes officers from Paisley had reason to stop and search a 31-year-old man near Love Street.
He was found to be in possession of what is believed to be controlled drugs worth several thousand pounds. He appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court where he was remanded in custody.
We continue to pursue those responsible for supplying controlled drugs throughout the local area.
During the early hours of the morning on Monday, July 6, we received a report of a man acting suspiciously in Robertson Avenue, Renfrew.
After a brief search and a foot chase, officers apprehended a 27- year-old man in possession of stolen items from a garden.
The man was also kept in custody and remanded.
Those intent on depriving others of their property will be pursued no matter what time of day it is.
Again on July 6, officers from Paisley attended a report of a disturbance in the Gallowhill area regarding a male and female allegedly in possession of weapons.
Police attended and traced a 29 -year-old woman and a 35- year-old man in possession of weapons, both were arrested and held custody to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court.
Violent offending remains a concern and a priority for us and it is imperative that we take positive action, particularly with regards to the carrying and use of weapons.
All these incidents were in the morning as opposed to night when it is assumed that a majority of crime takes place.
I can assure you that officers are out and about patrolling at all times throughout the day and looking for individuals who are intent on committing crime.