We’ll do our best to get job done

New area commander aiming to deliver

Chief Inspector Mark Leonard has been appointed as the new area commander for Wishaw, Shotts, Motherwell and Bellshill.

He took over from Chief Inspector Glen Bland in November, saying it was a job he simply couldn’t refuse.

Mark said: “When the opportunity arose to return to Lanarkshire and to be the area commander in this area I just had to take it.

“To be able to lead your team of officers, delivering on what your local priorities are means a lot to me.

“I live locally and I guess the scrutiny that friends and family will put me under gives this job an added edge.

“In my first couple of weeks I have experienced first- hand the quality of the service the team provides; the professionalism, their innovation and ability to just do the simple things right.

“My vision is fairly simple: to focus our efforts on the individuals causing the most harm and in the areas where you need us.

“Where there are opportunities to work in collaboration with relevant partners to make things better, we will.

“My job is to reflect on why someone needs the police, then do the best I can to provide the necessary leadership, support and influence to improve things.

“With the right preventative approach we will do our best.”

As well as responding to 999 emergency calls, Mark’s teams are engaged in problem solving activity with partners from social work, Trading Standards, housing providers, NHS and representatives from Motherwell town centre.

Investigations and detections include housebreakings, violence, domestic abuse, thefts, drug dealing and seizures of counterfeit and illicit goods.

Prevention activity is focused on reducing the harm caused by anti-social behaviour, violence and the protection of adults at risk of financial harm from doorstep crime.

The ‘Festive Action Plan’ incorporated work with Motherwell town centre management, shop staff and additional patrols.

Planning for future games at Fir Park and Glasgow 2018 events at Strathclyde Park are also under way.

Mark continued: “The festive activity within Motherwell town centre was an indication of our approach.

“By a little bit of predictive analysis and data, we could anticipate the need for additional police resources.

“We met and planned how better to deploy police and security staff and communicate this with staff and shoppers.

“The measurement of the success of this for me is that the town centre management are reporting an increase in footfall and people are telling us they feel safer. You can’t beat that for a prevention outcome.

“The Motherwell, Bellshill, Wishaw and Shotts areas are safe places to live, work and invest in.

“We have a lot to look forward to in the coming year where the international focus will be on Strathclyde Park as a venue for the games in 2018.”

And Mark pledged: “I will do all I can to give you the service you expect and deserve from your local policing team supported by the specialist resources available to Police Scotland.

“If you need us call us on 101. If you have information contact Crimestoppers or stop for a chat with your local team.”