Steadfast policing is paying dividend
Stirling Area Commander Chief Inspector Gill Boulton on move to tackle city centre crime
Anyone who has been within the city centre over the last couple of weeks will know that Operation Steadfast Festive is well underway and will run until the NewYear.
As in previous deployments we will have a keen focus on reducing and preventing a range of issues including violence and antisocial behaviour, and keeping safe those visiting the area for shopping or night life.
We will also be focussing on shoplifting and are again working with businesses, security staff, taximarshals, street pastors and Stirling Council colleagues including environmental wardens and licensing teams.
From our mobile police station in the heart of the city, officers will be available to provide to passers-by crime prevention and personal safety advice.
To date the impact of Operation Steadfast has been incredibly encouraging with a significant reduction in calls to the police about antisocial behaviour and an 110 per cent increase in individuals being identified and charged with disorder offences, which have in some cases also resulted in dispersal from the city centre dispersal zone.
Our work in relation to violence and anti-social behaviour, particularly in the vicinity of licensed premises, ties in directly with the current‘One Punch’ campaign which highlights the risks associated with becoming involved in a violent incident where alcohol is often involved and the consequences such incidents can have.
More information on the Police Scotland website
The festive drink drive campaign is also well underway with officers working with traffic colleagues to discourage people from driving if they had any alcohol at all. Unfortunately just this weekend three drivers in Forth Valley were caught with levels well in excess of the limit.
Please remember the impact that alcohol can still have the morning after and plan ahead for any festive parties.
May I take this opportunity to wish a you a safe and peaceful Christmas.