Crime is down in Craigneuk
... but rise in drug arrests
Police in Craigneuk have reported an improved picture of crime in the area.
Speaking at the recent meeting of Craigneuk Community Council, Sgt Alex Pllu, from the Local Problem Solving Team based at Wishaw Police Office, laid out the official figures for members.
Overall there were 50 crimes reported in 2017 - down from 68 in 2016.
There was a significant decrease in the number of thefts, down to two from 16 the previous year.
Assaults were also down from eight to three.
However, police arrested 10 people for drug offences in 2017 compared to three in the previous 12 months.
Three people were also reported for street drinking compared to zero in 2016.
However, Sgt Pllu was pleased with the overall figures.
He said: “I am hoping that these figures show there has been an increase in productivity this year.
“It’s not a coincidence that the drugs and street drinking figures have gone up and the common assaults and thefts have gone down.
“If all the figures had gone up I would have been concerned but this shows we are working well.
“We believe the main factors are an increase in police proactivity and a general reduction in crimes being committed.”
Sgt Pllu also confirmed the police are working with the council to try to put a stop to fly- tipping in one troublesome area of Craigneuk which has seen an increase in people leaving rubbish.
He added: “We have an ongoing operation in the waste ground around Golfhill Road.
“We have been working with the council to get that cleaned up and to try and stop fly-tipping there.
“There may be the possibility of putting bollards up to stop vehicles getting into that area.”