ON THE BEAT TOP TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF IF YOU ARE OUT

With Constable Andrewporteous

We at Police Scotland wish you all the best as we head into the months of spring.

Our officers continue to support the terrific work being done by the Hamilton Our Town team.

This week, I would like to talk about personal safety.

Take care of your possessions. You hear about people having their bag snatched or mobile phone stolen, but in reality, the chance of it happening to you or your family are low and there are plenty of things you can do to make it even less likely.

■ Carry your bags close to you, with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up, and make sure your wallet or purse can’t be seen. Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

■ Have your bags where you can see them when in public places such as a bar or restaurant, try to make sure the bag strap is under a chair leg so it can’t be easily taken.

■ If you are wearing expensive jewellery or carrying other valuables, be discreet.

■ Think about your route, especially if you are going to be on your own carrying lots of shopping bags late at night. Avoid dark alleyways or unlit passages.

■ Think about keeping your valuables separate, so if you lose your bag you haven’t lost everything. Keep your valuables in deep pockets or ones that fasten or close fully.

Meanwhile, officers this weekend attended an address in Hamilton after receiving numerous calls about a male in gardens trying doors.

Police attended and a male was apprehended and arrested under Section 57 Civic Government (Scotland) 1982 for alleged intended theft from a curtilage. With the assistance of local residents and private CCTV a male was held in police custody to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on the next lawful day.

The amount of youth disorder reported to the police in Hamilton town centre has increased during recent weekends.

Police have attended Hamilton Bus Station, the Palace Grounds and Cadzow Glen to deal with numerous reports of disorder. Youths from the ages of 14 to 16 have been arrested on occasions and

Police Scotland will continue to carry out patrols and work with partners to quell this disorder.

Do you know someone who drives illegally? It could be they have no MOT, no insurance, no licence, or they could be drink drivers or disqualified drivers.

And using your phone while driving is not worth the risk.

Not only could you hurt or kill someone, but you could see yourself get a £200 pound fine, six points on your licence and lose your licence if you’re a newly-qualified driver.

If you have any relevant information or matters you feel should be reported to the police, call the non-emergency number 101. Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.