Laying a wreath on behalf of Police Scotland was a privilege
Chief Inspector Lynn Ratcliff, Stirling Area Commander, on the respectful tributes paid to the war dead on Remembrance Sunday and vehicle safety this winter
On Sunday I was privileged to attend the Service of Remembrance at the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling and afterwards, lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of Police Scotland.
I know that many of you will have taken the opportunity over the course of the last few days to commemorate the sacrifices of servicemen and women who lost their lives in service of our country, and you may well have attended one of the many parades or services which took place in towns and villages across Stirlingshire.
I was very touched by the number of people who braved the rain and cold weather to pay their respects and I know that events in Dunblane, Callander, Doune, Killin and Strathblane to name but a few, were similarly wellattended.
Last week also saw the first frosts of the winter and, as we move through November towards Christmas, we can no doubt expect the weather to get colder. With that in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to issue a couple of gentle reminders about vehicle safety and crime over the next few months.
No-one hates scraping ice off the windscreen in the morning more than me. I know that it can be tempting to start the car and then leave it running in the driveway or the street for a few minutes to defrost while you retreat into the warmth of the house, but please resist the temptation to do this.
Not only is it illegal to leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is running but it turns your car or van into easy pickings for thieves.
Latest figures show that theft of vehicles in Stirlingshire has reduced by around 30 per cent in the last year. However, there is no room for carelessness or complacency. Similarly, thefts from motor vehicles have also seen a reduction of almost 25 per cent, but please do not make your car an easy target.
From a road safety perspective, please make sure that all windows are fully clear of ice and condensation – only clearing a small patch on the windscreen and then driving is not only dangerous to you and other road users but again, it’s also illegal.
As a result of driving with an obscured view, you could be charged with careless driving and face a range of possible penalties.
Further information on winter motoring can be found on a variety of websites or at your local police office – please do exercise care and caution and stay safe on the roads this winter.