Brexit prep is well underway
Readers may be aware of the potential impacts of the Brexit negotiations on police and partners depending on the outcome of negotiations.
Police Scotland, including this division, is planning for all eventualities including potential for demonstrations and/or disorder.
While there is no doubt that the outcome, regardless of what it looks like, will have an impact on our divisional resilience, I would like to reassure readers I have confidence that we will continue to deliver a high quality service for our communities.
I will of course keep readers posted on any developments however, I do remind readers that we all need to be tolerant of difference and ensure any protests or commentary on social media is tempered and appropriate.
We will not tolerate behaviour causing offence or any form of crime.
Now to an example of communities working with police to tackle crime.
Over the past few weeks there had been a spike in break- ins at houses in the Millarston and Castlehead areas.
To combat this, we deployed plain clothed officers, carried out media messages and public engagement, raising awareness to the crime and encouraging the public to call in.
During the evening on Thursday, February 7, a vigilant member of the public responded to our appeals having observed someone acting suspiciously.
Officers were deployed to the area where the person was arrested for a series of housebreakings.
A man has appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court where he was remanded in custody.
The quick thinking and community spirit of the caller has led to this arrest which has ultimately prevented further crimes, helping the police to keep communities safe.
To the caller – our sincere thanks go to you, you did the right thing and have helped make the area safer.
Well done. Disappointingly, there have been a few housebreakings in Graham Street and Ferguson Street, Johnstone which may be linked and we welcome any information regarding them.
Officers are stepping up patrols in that area, both in plain clothes and uniform.
Can you help, as did the aforementioned person?
If so, we would like to hear from you.
Officers continue to patrol the cycle track near Kintyre, Avenue, Linwood due to youth disorder.
We are committed to reducing anti-social behaviour as it can have such a negative impact on residents.
Some excellent pro-active work led to the arrest of a 29 year-old man in Hairst Street, Renfrew on February 13 for assault, breach of the peace, drugs and brandishing a piece of metal.