Key issues including rural acquisitive crime, drugs, antisocial behaviour and speeding continue to be the main focus of attention from the Scottish Borders Community Action Team (CAT).
Further cross-border action involving multiple police forces is taking place this month to prevent and detect rural crime, particularly thefts of equipment. There has also been three successful drug search warrants carried out in Hawick and Kelso in recent weeks involving the team.
Engagement activities with young people in Galashiels and Peebles are also continuing and, along with other policing efforts, have had a positive impact on the number of reports of antisocial behaviour received.
Speeding motorists targeted
The CAT, a policing resource of two teams of seven officers funded by ourselves, will also continue to target speeding near schools and at other locations within built-up areas where there is evidence of a collision history where injuries have been sustained. Progress also continues to be made in establishing a local Speedwatch scheme with communities throughout the Borders.
This work follows the latest meeting of the CAT Oversight Group - a monthly meeting between a group of cross party Councillors, Council officers and Police Scotland’s CAT sergeants to agree priority tasks for the coming month. Key data and associated analysis as well as community feedback is used as part of the tasking process.
Councillor Julie Pirone, chair of the CAT Oversight Group
“The ongoing activities of the Community Action Team continue to help tackle a range of issues in our communities which matter to people. This coordinated work is now generating positive results.
“Due to the rural nature of the Borders and our geography, with a number of significant cross-border and cross-country routes in and out of the area, acquisitive crime is a real challenge and I am pleased that more action is planned over the coming weeks and months.
“It is essential that members of the public also play their part in helping to stamp out criminal behaviour and report suspicious activity immediately and provide as much information to the police as possible.”
To report a crime call 999 in an emergency. Use 101 or the Police Scotland website for non-emergency issues. To anonymously report suspicious activity or crimes call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Help target thieves in our area
- Always contact Police Scotland immediately if you see suspicious activity on or near your property or while you are out and about
- Any information you can provide may help the police create the connection to criminal activity, including:
- Vehicle registration plate or partial details
- Photograph or description of a suspicious vehicle
- Information on a suspicious vehicle’s location or direction of travel
- Details of how many people were inside and any descriptions
- Consider your personal safety – don’t put yourself at risk by confronting intruders