Wishaw & District Area Partnership Police Report

22ndMay - ISthJuly 2007 GENERIC ISSUESRELATINGTO ALL WARDS

Safer The Safer Scotland Anti-Violence Campaign is supported by the Scottish Executive and delivered nationally by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland). The aim of the campaign is to build appropriate alliances to respond to the respective levels of violence in the country. The campaign's main theme is to find sustainable, innovative solutions to our violence problem through a series of targeted and locally focused campaigns.

The campaign is continuing to focus on youth alcohol consumption and associated acts of disorder / antisocial behaviour. For the period covered by this report the following results have been achieved for 'NE' Sub-Division, which covers and Motherwell.

922 stop searches 249 visits to off sales 0 400 visits to other licensed premises 123.5 litres of alcohol seized from adults 0 88.35 litres of alcohol seized from juveniles 0 108 under 18s reported for street drinking 216 over 18s reported for street drinking

Violence Reduction Strategy The Safer Scotland Campaign will be underpinned by the divisional Violence Reduction Strategy that will set out what the Division's intentions are and how it intends to achieve a reduction in the number of victims of violent crime. This initiative will run until 31 March 2008

Divisional Control Strategy The sub-division will continue to deliver the Divisional Control Strategy in relation to local crime, community safety and antisocial behaviour priorities and will seek to involve partners and the local community to positively impact on community concerns.

The priorities identified in the Control Strategy are

0 Disorder and Anti Social Behaviour Child Protection 0 Violence 0 Terrorism Drug , Serious and Organised Crime Groups Active Citizenship The Police Schools Liaison Officer continues to deliver the Citizenship and the Law Programme in local schools, which aims to develop young people as active citizens and encourage them to take pride in their communities.

Antisocial Behaviour Joint working opportunities with the Police, housing providers and NLC Antisocial Task Force will be realised in an effort to tackle recurring antisocial behaviour problems. This will include sharing of information, joint visits to problem tenancies and instigating effective enforcement techniques.

Wishaw Young Offenders Forum The Wishaw Young Offenders Forum has been running for over one year it involves key partners such as the Police, SCRA, Social Work Youth Justice, CLAD and others who can impact on persistent young offenders in terms of altering their behavioural trend. Individuals have been identified and will be subject to focussed discussion and action by the group. Community Police Officers- Constable John Lewis, Constable Elaine Baxter, Constable Lorraine Sharkey, Constable Craig Ritchie, - Constable Kirstin Mills, Constable Stuart Murray

ONGOING POLICE ISSUES

The Town Centre, - with the volume of licensed and commercial premises brings its own policing issues at different times of the day. During daytime hours, commercial premises are targeted by local shoplifters, although since the implementation of CCTV and the Radio Link there has been a vast reduction in the amount of shoplifters undetected.

Cambusnethan Street - Issues still exist in relation to local residents having their driveways blocked by indiscriminate parking.

EMERGING TRENDS

0 Youths congregating in large numbers on Friday/Saturday nights. Fights between school children during school hours.

0 Displacement of street drinking to back courts off Main Street, Wishaw.

Large groups of youths gathering on Friday / Saturday nights

0 Trail/quad bikes in the area of Pather Park and area.

0 Youth disorder and vandalism

0 Crowds of youth gathering on Friday / Saturday nights

0 Gang fighting between Cambusnethan and Newmains Youths

ONGOING INITIATIVES/POLICE ACTIVITY

0 Allanton Grove Neighbourhood Watch 0 Liaison with High Schools 0 Radio Link 0 Joint working with Town Centre Wardens and retailers to address problems associated with back courts.

PuMc Reassurance - Regular visits by Community Police to reassure staff/ residents at Cala Sona Court. Similar visits undertaken to OAP group Overtown Community Centre.

Proactive Po/icing- A number of focused actions have been carried out by the Police in relation to youth disorder / antisocial behaviour in the area resulting in a number of arrests and crimes / offences being detected. Anti disorder patrols of both uniform and plain clothes officers have been deployed to tackle to youth gangs. Parent Alert Scheme and other diversionary projects have been utilised to their full potential.

PATHER & GOWKTHRAPPLE

There are currently a high number of drug users living in Gowkthrapple which has led to a number of persons selling controlled drugs in the area. The Police continue to gather intelligence relative to drugs being sold and are taking undertaking enforcement action.

Pather is predominately residential and has every day issues, which need addressed. A large number of youths (10-16yrs old) congregate in the Pather area causing annoyance by committing acts of antisocial behaviour. They mainly congregate at the lane at Etive Cr / Etive St and the bridge at the rear of Zafar Stores, Gair Crescent.

Regular visit's to all three local authority housing offices to discuss issues relevant to the area and a meeting has taken place with Garrion Housing CO -0p and Antisocial Task Force to discuss antisocial behaviour in the Heathfield area of Gowkthrapple. A further meeting has taken place between relevant agencies to discuss a joint approach to problem solving the recurring issues in the community.

Joint visits to problem tenants have been undertaking by the Police and housing representatives.

A monthly police surgery has been set up to encourage local people to engage with the community police. Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

23/05/07 Attempt Theft form Motor Vehicle Garrion Business Park Wishaw - force entry to vehicle and attempt to steal property. Accused - 31 year old male. 25/05/07 S 5 (2) MDA 1971 (possess a controlled drug) Netherton Primary School - possess controlled drug (cannabis) Accused - 14 year old male 28/05/07 Serious Assault - Main Street Wishaw. Strike victims with weapon to their injury. Victims - 23 & 30 year old male. Suspect - 18 year old male. 01/06/07 S 4 (2) MDA 1971 (cultivate controlled drug) Alexander Street Wishaw (formerly Lighthouse project) Recovery of €2,000,000 worth of cannabis plants being cultivated within premises. Suspect being sought. 02/06/07 Attempt Theft of Motor Vehicle - St. Andrew's Way Wishaw. Force entry to vehicle and attempt to steal. Accused - 16 year old male. (was arrested for 3 similar crimes in the area.) 04/06/07 HBWI - Edzell Gardens, Wishaw. Force entry to dwelling and attempt to steal property. Accused - 23 year old male. 05/06/07 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 s 3 (1) & (3) - Etive Street Wishaw. - Not keep dog under control whereby it attacked and injured persons. Victim - 34 year old male. Accused - 26 & 24 year old males. 06/06/07 Culpable and Reckless Conduct Rannoch Drive Wishaw - push metal bar through window of moving motor vehicle - Victim - 23 year old female. Accused - 43 year old male. 06/06/07 Lewd & Libidinous Practices - Indecently assault victim. Victim - 15 year old female - Suspect - 21 year old male. 07/06/07 Civic Government (S) Act 1982 S57 - Robetts Street Wishaw. Found in place where reasonable infers present to commit the crime of theft. Accused - 32 year old male. 10/06/07 Attempt Housebreaking - Caledonian Road Wishaw Force entry to premises and attempt to steal property. Accused - 12, 11, 10 year old males. 10/06/07 Serious AssauIt/Simple Assault/B.O.P. Children's Home, Cambusnethan Street Wishaw. Assault staff to serious injury. Accused 14 year old boy. 16/06/07 Si03 RTA 1988 (Disqualified driver) - Hawthorn Drive, Wishaw - Accused - 47 year old male. 17/06/07 Breach of The Peace - A & E Wishaw General Hospital Accused - 24 year old male. 21/06/07 Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995 S5 (underage sex). Victim - 15 year old femak-Accused 17 year old male. 23/06/07 Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995 S49 (possession of knife)/AssauIt/S41 Police (S) Act 1967 (police assault). Kimberlv Street Wishaw - possession of 6 inch knife. Strike victim wiih knife, spit on police officers. Victim - 25 year old male. Accused - 39 year old male. 24/06/07 Civic Government (S) Act 1982 S57 - Old Manse Road Wishaw. Found in place where reasonable infers present to commit the crime of theft. Accused - 31 & 26 year old males. 30/06/07 Criminal Law (Consolidation) (S) Act 1995 S50A (1) (b) (Racial Breach of the Peace) - Linghope Place Wishaw. Shout and swear, shout racial remarks. Victim - 29 year old male. Enquiries ongoing to trace suspects. 05/07/07 S4 (3) (b) 5(3) 5(2) MDA 1971 (concern supply controlled drugs) - Etive Crescent Wishaw. Approx. €5,000 controlled drugs. Accused - 26 year old male. (Accused was also charged in relation to incident below.) 05/05/07 Reckless Conduct with Firearm/Various Firearm Offences - Rannoch Drive Wishaw - recklessly discharge firearm. Victim - 50 year old male. Accused - 26 Year old male. (Accused was also charged in relation to incident above.) 11/07/07 Serious Assault - 17 Birkshaw Brae Wishaw Strike face with weapon to serious injury. Victim - 34 year old male. Accused - 27 year old female,

Robust and proactive policing of the area returned the following results:

> 76 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. > 21 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. > 2 persons reported possession with intent to supply controlled drugs > 49 persons reported for street drinking. > 11 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. > 12 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. > 18 persons arrested for breach of bail conditions. WARD - MURDOSTOUN Community Police Officers - Constable Les Brownlie, Constable Pam Dick, Constable Jamie Harvie, Constable Craig Ritchie

ONGOING POLICE ISSUES

NEWMAINS

Arbernethyn Road - has historically been a gathering point for youths for the purposes of drinking and thereafter causing damage to property. It is not unusual for groups of up to 30 youths to gather at this location at weekends and evenings, Specifically, youths gather to the rear of Village Stores 56-58 Abernethyn Road, Newmains, and cause general disorder. This includes causing damage by graffiti, other acts of vandalism and setting fires to the rear of the shop premises.

Tiree Crescent - has also been a gathering point for local youths intent in causing general disorder. This is also a gathering point for youths who carry out acts of vandalism to passing buses. Regular reports are received to the effect that buses have been struck by stones or bricks.

Westwood Road - where it meets the A73 has also historically been a gathering point for youths who carry out acts of vandalism to passing vehicles, particularly buses, which are either joining or leaving the A73. Regular reports are received to the effect that vehicles have been struck by stones or bricks by youths standing on footpaths near to wooded areas. Youths make off into the wooded area upon being observed. This leads into the West Crindledyke area and on to Tiree Crescent.

CLELAND

Main St, C/e/and - this acts as a magnet to local youths, particularly at the weekend, who indulge in antisocial behaviour and drinking, which tends to spill into the nearby park.

COLTNESS farchfe/d Crescent - Particularly at weekends the area attracts youths who come from all parts of Wishaw. Minor acts of vandalism and disorder then occur, historically the swing park nearby acted as a magnet though this has abated over the last few months. Maxton Crescent & Denholm Drive - Over recent months, minor acts of vandalism have been occurring in this area, again, particularly at the weekends. The use of off road cycles has dropped to nearly zero in the area.

Walkerburn Drive- a younger group of youths tend to hang about the swing park causing annoyance and carrying out minor acts of vandalism.

Kimeny Crescent - the wooded areas to the east and west of this road are being used as a local “scrambling track” by youths.

EMERGING TRENDS

Vandalism to vehicles including buses, private cars and emergency response in the West Crindledyke area is becoming more prevalent.

0 Youth disorder at Abernethyn Road.

0 Youth disorder behind shops Main Street. Cleland on Friday / Saturday nights.

0 Youth disorder at Denholm Drive.

ONGOING INITIATIVES/POLICE ACTIVITY

A meeting has taken place with Newmains Housing Office and the Antisocial Task Force to discuss antisocial behaviour specifically youth disorder in the Northwood Drive/Westwood Road area of Newmains. This meeting took place between the relevant agencies to discuss a joint approach to problem solving the recurring issues in the community.

0 Routine visits to local schools.

0 Targeted patrols to detect those responsible for committing acts of antisocial behaviour.

0 Liaison with First Bus to devise a joint approach to overcome the ever increasing incidents resulting in bus windows being smashed.

0 The local community police officer in is working with local housing officer to identify local residents responsible for antisocial behaviour and to deal with them through joint visits and antisocial behaviour legislation.

“Made 4u in ML2“ a local youth diversion project has recently started, in conjunction with the Police to identify youngsters who may benefit from numerous organised activities provided by the charity.

0 The ball games area in Walkerburn Drive continues to contribute to a reduction in youth disorder and vandalism

0 Branchal Road Residents Association / Neighbourhood Watch

Proactive Policing- A number of focused actions have been carried out by the Police in relation to youth disorder / antisocial behaviour in Cleland and Coltness resulting in a number of arrests and crimes / offences being detected.

Mobile Police Office has been in situ at shops on Main Street, Cleland to engage with the local community.

Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

02/06/07 Att theft of M/V x 3 - Hawick St, Hazeldean Cres and St. Andrews wav. 16 vear old male arrested. 03/06/07 Serious Assault, Assault, B.O.P. and Vandalism- Omoa Rd, - Disorderly conduct, stab 32 yr old male on arm, back and hand, smash house windows. 45 year old male arrested. 03/06/07 Theft by HB - Lammermoor Primary school - Enter premises and steal 3 x computers. 13 year old male arrested 07/06/07 Criminal Law (Consolidation )(S) act 1995 S 49, B.O.P. - Stewart Cres, Newmains , Disorderly conduct and have possession of 8” knife. Male 34 years arrested. 11/06/07 S4 (3) (B) & 5 (2) X 4 M.D.A. 1971. - Lyman Dr. - possess controlled drug namely diazepam cannabis and ecstasy. W.I. to supply. 18 year old male arrested 12/07/07 Criminal Law (Consolidation )(S) act 1995 S 49 & 50, Assault X2, Theft Att theft of M/V AND Culpable and reckless conduct. Greenfield Dr, Wishaw- Possession of 4” knife, shout racial comments, punch Asian male 38 years, about head, Att to steal complainers M/V. steal quantity of food from him. Fail to disclose possession of knife. Male 23 and female 22 arrested. 18/07/07 Serious Assault - Banavie Rd, Newmains. - stab 13 yr old male complainer repeatedly on arm and chest with knife. 15 year old male arrested.

Robust and proactive policing of the area returned the following results: P 34 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 7 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 3 persons reported possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. P 21 persons repotted for street drinking. P 9 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. P 5 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. P 5 person reported for breach of bail Community Police Officer - Constable’s Mark McCool, William Wilson, Scott McKay and William Sloan.

ONGOING POLICE ISSUES

Due to the geographic location of Shotts a large amount of crime reported is for vehicle offences, other than this there are regular calls for youths gathering at the ’cross’ at Dykehead and Laggan Path (Dykehead) committing acts of antisocial behaviour. Off-road bikers are also a persistent problem.

M8 Services - The M8 services are split into two sites; they are referred to as East and Westbound however their official titles are Harthill North Connect and Harthill South Connect. There have been a number of thefts from motor vehicles, usually Heavy Goods Vehicles which are parked overnight. The petrol stations also suffer from drive-offs, whereby motorists fail to pay for their fuel. The majority of complaints stem from the Eastbound services where vehicles can leave the station and quickly enter Lothian and Borders police area.

Paxstone Crescent - This is a street in the Harthill area with 24 flats, spread between 4 closes. The properties were previously owned by the local authority however they were sold off, through tenants “right to buy” scheme. They have now been sold on again and are owned by private landlords who rent out the flats. The flats are occupied by a mixed race community who appear to reside in accommodation considered by some to be below an acceptable standard. The community police are working in partnership in an attempt to regenerate this area.

Gangs - The limited size of the town of Harthill does not lend itself to the development of gangs. There are isolated incidents where some disorder between youngsters from Harthill, EastField and Greenrigg occurs,

Hartwood Hospital - The now disused Hartwood Hospital nurses home and Hartwood Hospital itself have been gathering places for some time. There has been a problem with non-locals alighting from the trains at Hartwood station and entering the hospital ground for the purpose of drinking. This has been addressed via action plans.

Allanton -Although the town of Allanton is small, there are isolated incidents of youth disorder involving youths from Newmains, Shotts and Harthill who meet in Allanton for the purpose of fighting.

Kingsbill Road, Allanton - youths gathering at the top of the road for purposes of drinking and thereafter causing damage to property en-route to their homes.

Allanton Road at Coltness Avenue is a junction in the centre of the village which has only very recently become a gathering place for approx 20-30 youths on Friday/Saturday nights.

Salsburgh - The village is policed on a regular basis from Airdrie. The village is subjected to isolated incidents of youth disorder, local youths congregate in the area of the footbridge at Blackcroft Terrace.

EMERGING TRENDS

0 Youth disorder and vandalism particularly on buses.

0 Thefts from Hartwood Hospital

Noise pollution caused by quad / trail bikes.

Youth disorder in the area of Bank Rd.

0 Theft from vehicles parked at service area M8

ONGOING INITIATIVES/POLICE ACTIVITY

Liaison with local bus companies to overcome to disorder problems associated with buses.

Visits made to Herbiston House, Manse Road, Shotts.

Community Officers have liaised with Ron Stark Forward Training Project in Shotts. This was to enable officers to develop a working relationship with the local careers officer who works with unemployed youths.

Work continues with the Youth Diversion Steering Group and ongoing police involvement in the Saturday Sportscene Initiative held at Shotts Sports Centre. €7,000 funding secured from Police Community Partnership Fund for purchase of metal cabins.

Regular visits made to Shotts Housing Office. 0 A number of focused actions have been carried out by the Police in relation to youth disorder / antisocial behaviour in the area resulting in a number of arrests and crimes / offences being detected.

0 Quad bike initiative involving plain clothes patrols, traffic motor cyclists and media campaign has directly targeted off-road use of trail / quad bikes. This resulted in four bikes being seized under new Road Traffic Act legislation.

0 Community Safety Department is currently involved in developing crime prevention measures for petrol stations to reduce the number of incidents which occur at these locations. A number of agencies are involved, including petrol companies, and garage owners. The-motorway services at Harthill have been included in the consultation.

0 Liaison with Lothian & Borders Police to identify and address issues of joint concern.

Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

22/05/07 Serious assault - Rosehall Rd, Shotts. Punch and kick complainer 39 years about head and body - 2 x males 16 and 13 years arrested. 06/06/07 Att HBWI. Shotts Community Education Centre, Kirk Rd, - Remove wire shutter and attempt to force window by use of jemmy. Male 45 years arrested 28/06/07 OLPWI X 3 & THEFT X 2 - Harthill services. - slash rear curtains of HGV’S W.I. To steal & steal whilst unattended - 2 x males 44 years arrested 17/07/07 Assault W.I. to rob. Eastfield Post Office - Enter premises, present knife at complainer threaten him with knife and attempt to gain money. 34 year old male arrested 17/07/07 S 4 (3) (b) x 2 & 5(2) x 5 M.D.A Act 1971. Westcraigs Rd, Harthill - Possess cannabis resin herbal cannabis and Heroin W.I. To supply same. 30 year old female and 40 year old male arrested Two youths 14 & 15 years were reported for 32 Wilful Fireraising (wheelie bins) & 4 thefts.

Robust and proactive policing of the area returned the following results: P 27 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 15 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 6 persons reported possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. P 45 persons reported for street drinking. P 11 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. l+ 11 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. l+ 4 person reported for breach of bail