I am stepping down until I get protection
He fears for his family’s safety after latest attack outside house firebombed last year
A CRUSADING councillor who has campaigned against organised crime has been forced out of public life after another terrifying attack on his home.
Graeme Campbell says he cannot return to his duties at South Lanarkshire Council until the safety of his family can be guaranteed.
The councillor was previously urged not to quit by then prime minister Theresa May after speaking out against organised criminals in his area.
His car was blown up in a terrifying firebomb attack last year, believed to be the work of local crime lords.
He now believes his family’s lives are at risk and more needs to be done to protect them.
Graeme and wife Fiona, a teacher, were awoken in bed at 3am on Sunday by the sound of a window being smashed by a masked intruder.
The attacker also used paint stripper to seriously damage paintwork on two BMWs at the home in Strathaven, Lanarkshire.
The latest incident follows a sinister firebombing in May last year in which Fiona’s £45,000 car was blown up and Graeme’s was badly damaged. Flames also damaged their home.
Council bosses are now expected to instruct officers to recruit a security firm to install panic alarms, advanced CCTV cameras and other security measures at the house to fend off the criminals.
Campbell told the Record:
“Fiona and I are devastated at yet another attack on our property, in what was clearly a targeted attack, the second attack in only 15 months.
“When I first stood for election in 2007, I never thought my role as a local councillor would bring this level of violence and intimidation directed at not just myself but my family.
“I would like to thank the fantastic officers from Police Scotland for their incredible response and support.
I’d also like to thank the new South Lanarkshire Council chief executive for his counsel and support.
“However, no elected member should have to live with this level of violence and intimidation.
“As a result, until I receive assurances from the authorities that my family and I are safe, I will be stepping back from frontline constituency work.
“MPs and MSPs are afforded enhanced security via special laws designed to protect them but this level of support is not afforded to councillors.
“I therefore hope that no one will judge me negatively in my decision to step back until assurances that my safety and the safety of my family can be guaranteed going forward.”
CCTV from nearby properties shows a dark coloured car pulling up to Campbell’s home around 3am and a masked man getting out.
He takes a liquid from the boot of the car and smears it on the roof and paintwork of the BMW X6 and X3.
Before escaping in the car he came in, the thug uses an iron bar or similar tool to smash the couple’s study window.
A police spokesperson said: “Around 3.10am on Sunday, police received a report of a window being smashed and two cars being vandalised in Strathaven. “Enquiries are ongoing.” A South Lanarkshire Council spokesman said: “We are assisting Police Scotland with their enquiries and will work with them to provide support and protection to Councillor Campbell.”
When I first stood for election in 2007, I never thought my role as a local councillor would bring this level of violence and intimidation directed at not just myself but my family
COUNCILLOR GRAEME CAMPBELL