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Scottish Borders Area Command The Lothians and Scottish Borders
Hawick and Hermitage Community Councils Multi Member Ward Report for May 2021
The information provided within this report, is predominately based on the Hawick and Hermitage Multi Member Ward Policing Plan and the areas you have identified as priorities.
The data provided in this report is for information purposes only and is not official crime statistics. Due to delayed reporting or recording of crimes, incidents or road accidents and the management of crime enquiries, there is likely to be differences between the information in this report and the final Police Scotland statistics. It would not be appropriate to refer to, quote or use any data in this report as official statistics.
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Figures for the whole Scottish Borders Area (Data from 01/04/2020 – 30/05/2021)
2020 2021 % Change Local Area Commanders Comment /2021 /2022
Total Crimes and Offences 524 695 32.6 The detection rate for Group 1-5 is 50.1% compared to 61.6% at same time last year. (Group 1-5)
Group 1: Non Sexual Crimes 30 31 3.3 The detection rate for Group 1 is 77.4% compared to 46.7% at same time last year. of Violence
Serious Assaults 11 12 9.1 The detection rate for Serious Assaults is 83.3% compared to 54.5% at same time last year.
Robberies 3 1 -66.7 The detection rate for Robberies is 100% compared to 33.3% at same time last year.
The detection rate for Common Assaults is 76.1% compared to 74.2% at same time last Common Assaults 128 201 57 year.
The 37.9% decrease is ASB incidents can be attributed to the public nuisance calls related ASB (Incidents) 1751 1087 -37.9 to COVID19 last year.
Hate Crime – All incidents 21 21 - The detection rate for Hate Crimes is 94.1% compared to 70.6% at the same time last year.
Group 2: Sexual Crimes 39 57 46.2 The detection rate for Group 2 is 59.6% compared to 59% at same time last year.
Rape – Recorded Crime 6 10 66.7 The detection rate for Rape is 80% compared to 16.7% at same time last year.
Domestic Abuse – All The detection rate for Domestic Abuse Crimes are 78.9% compared to 70.6% at same time 218 229 5 incidents last year.
Group 3: Crimes of 174 236 35.6 The detection rate for Group 3 is 30.1% compared to 51.7% at same time last year. Dishonesty
The detection rate for Domestic Housebreakings is 16.7% compared to 200% at same time Housebreakings – Domestic 4 18 350 last year.
The detection rate for Motor Vehicle Thefts is 57.1% compared to 60% at same time last Motor Vehicle Thefts 10 7 -30 year.
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Community Sergeant Update PS Paul Begley
It has been encouraging to see an easing of COVID restrictions with potential for further easing and changes in June. This will no doubt have a positive impact on the community, particularly local businesses and those who have felt isolated over recent months.
As we move forward and as we have already seen, we are likely to see an uptake in the volume of people coming to stay in our communities and we would like everyone to enjoy this. This coupled with better weather, we are likely to see more and more people taking to the countryside. Please be reminded that opportunist criminals can take advantage of vehicles parked in quieter locations so please remain vigilant and ensure the safety of your personal belongings. This is not just in rural settings, we unfortunately recently had a series of vehicles broken into near Mansfield Road, Hawick and we are doing all we can to identify those responsible. Some key prevention points to consider if you are leaving your vehicle unattended;
Lock the doors and close the windows and sunroof completely Don’t leave valuables in your car. Stow cables and adaptors out of sight and remove tell-tale signs
I am pleased to be writing about a recent success of collaborative working between Local Councillors, Police Scotland, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Borders Housing Association and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. The localised group were setup to tackle ongoing issues of Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Waste matters in Eastfield Road, Hawick. There has been a marked improvement in the area and this is having a positive impact on the residents nearby.
I am mindful that in normal circumstances townsfolk would have been preparing for and celebrating Hawick Common Riding and whilst this won’t be in the traditional manner, Police Scotland has been engaging regularly with the committee. We would still like townsfolk to enjoy this period, providing this is within the guidelines set out by the Scottish Government. The committee have done a fantastic job of working within the guidelines and I am sure supporters can respect and support them.
We are now seeing an increase of people being able to go out to local pubs and restaurants, again we want people to enjoy themselves however unfortunately people can become victims of crime and to ensure this is done responsibly, please consider our safety advice on our website, along with other prevention advice available at https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/safe- nights-out/
Lastly, and whilst I appreciate this was in another area, I think it is a key point to consider for rural crime prevention. On 16th May, there was two quad bikes stolen from a farm near Innerleithen. Fortunately, the owner had trackers fitted to the bikes and this allowed the bikes to be quickly located and returned to the owner. This has also allowed positive lines of enquiry for Police Scotland
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to identify those responsible for the Thefts. This highlights the importance of security measures, for quad bikes and farm machinery, particularly at remote locations. Specific information packs are available and contain a wide range of information on measures to help deter and prevent theft.
The information packs are available free of charge and can be requested via emailing the email address listed at the end of this report.
Local Policing Priorities
1. Protecting most vulnerable 2. Reducing violence and Anti-Social Behaviour 3. Reducing acquisitive crime 4. Improving road safety 5. Tackling serious and organised crime
Protecting Most Vulnerable
In May 2021 Police in the Scottish Borders attended and were involved with around 153 mental health related calls, around 31 missing person enquiries and approximately 105 Domestic related incidents.
Hawick and Hermitage area had 11 mental health related calls and 3 missing person enquiries. Due to GDPR and protection of victims/subjects involved, we are unable to share any more specific information in relation to these type of call within this report.
Police Scotland work in collaboration with key partners to assist the most vulnerable within the communities and to provide support.
Reducing Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour
Violence
On 22/05/2021 report of Assault at Myreslaw Court, Hawick. A male has been arrested, charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 24/05/2021 report of a male being assaulted by a female in High Street, Hawick. Female has been charged and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
On 25/05/2021 report of male being assaulted in Bailleul Grove, Hawick. A 12 year old boy has been charged and a report submitted to the Youth Justice Department.
On 28/05/2021 report of a male having been assaulted in High Street, Hawick by 3-4 males. No serious injury and enquiries are ongoing.
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Anti-social behaviour
On 27/04/2021 three reports of Breaches of Covid regulations at Duke Street, Hawick. Police attended, no breach’s detected.
On 28/04/2021 a report of a disturbance in Noble Place, Hawick. A male was issued with a recorded police warning.
On 30/04/2021 a report of loud music Stonefield, Hawick. Police attended occupier warned regarding covid regulations and one person dispersed from house.
On 30/04/2021 report of Breach of Covid regulations Ettrick Terrace, Hawick. Police attended property in darkness.
On 01/05/2021 report of youths within Bucklands woods, Hawick, playing loud music and lighting a campfire. Police attended and majority of youths ran off leaving 2 behind. Details noted and a backpack containing alcohol seized and disposed off. Small campfire extinguished. Further call received possible breach of covid group of adults drinking and lighting fires in same area. Police attended and people dispersed.
On 01/05/2021 report of noisy party in High Street, Hawick. Police contacted informer who informed them that party had stopped no police attendance required.
On 01/05/2021 report of fighting Drumlanrig Square, Hawick. Police attended and found male expressing desire to harm himself. Ambulance attended and conveyed to hospital.
On 05/05/2021 a report of youths in Gladstone Street, Hawick ringing doorbells then running away. Police attended, no youths traced.
On 08/05/2021 report of loud music and Breach of Covid regulations Minto Place, Hawick. Police attended property in darkness.
On 09/05/2021 report of dirt bikes being ridden on the race course Hawick Moor, Hawick. Police attended no trace of dirt bikes.
On 10/05/2021 report from local business owners of members of public failing to wear face coverings when entering their businesses in Howegate, Hawick. Community Police officer attended and provided advice and education regarding use of face coverings.
On 12/05/2021 report of fallen masonry High Street Hawick. Scottish Borders Council building control contacted to attend.
On 16/05/2021 report of youths on roof of a derelict building in Hawick. Police attended youths ran away on seeing police.
On 16/05/2021 report of males fighting Duke Street, Hawick. Police attended no trace of males.
On 22/05/2021 alcohol was seized from youths by Police in Beaconsfield Terrace, Hawick. Letters will be sent to parents.
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Vandalism
Between 26/04/2021 and 28/04/2021 a significant amount of damage was caused to the toilets on Hawick Moor. This is currently under investigation and Police are following positive lines of enquiry.
On 08/05/2021 damage was caused at Hawick & Wilton Cricket Club. Enquiries are ongoing.
Between 13/05/2021 and 15/05/2021 damaged was caused to the Pay & Display parking machine at O’Connell Street, Hawick. Enquiries are ongoing.
Report received on 19/05/2021 that windows had been smashed on an excavator near to Clerkleap, Newcastleton. Enquiries are ongoing.
On 22/05/2021 damage was caused to a door at Myreslaw Court, a male was arrested, charged and has been reported to Procurator Fiscal.
On 25/05/2021, report of damage to a wall in Union Street, Newcastleton. Enquiries ongoing.
Reducing Acquisitive Crime
Theft by Housebreaking
On the 03/05/2021 report of Teviothead Old Manse, Hawick being entered by force nothing reported as stolen. Enquires continuing.
On the 06/05/2021 report of an attempt to enter a property in Cheviot Road, Hawick by force, attempt failing no entry gained. Enquires continuing.
On 24/05/2012 report of Trinity Bar being subject of a break-in and a bicycle stolen from nearby. Two males have been arrested, charged, held to appear at court and have both pled guilty and are currently in prison.
Theft
On the 29/04/2021 report of scrap metal being stolen from a driveway belonging to an address in Orchard Terrace, Hawick. Police attended and two males arrested and charged with theft and released on bail with date to attend court.
On 03/05/2021 report of clothing having been stolen from Salvation Army Clothing Bank at Mart Street, Hawick. Enquiries ongoing.
On the 09/05/2021 report of diesel being stolen from Kirndean Farm, Newcastleton. Enquires continuing.
On the 11/05/2021 report diesel being stolen from Broomhills farm, Hawick. Enquires continuing.
On the 18/05/2021 report of bank card being stolen from an address in Croft Road, Hawick then later being used at an ATM to obtain cash. Enquires continuing.
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Improving Road Safety
Within the Jedburgh Sheriff Court Jurisdiction there were 14 parking tickets issued in May.
On 02/05/2021 a driver was charged for driving in a careless manner on the A7 south of Hawick.
On 03/05/2021 a driver was charged for no insurance, Myreslaw, Hawick.
On 07/05/2021, near to Mart Street, Hawick, driver charged for licence offences and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
On 08/05/2021 Beaconsfield Terrace, Hawick, driver charged for license offences and reported to Procurator Fiscal.
On 09/05/2021 on the A7 near to Martins Bridge, Hawick, driver has been charged for careless driving and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 13/05/2021, Lothian Street, Hawick a driver has been charged with driving without an MOT and attempting to pervert the course of justice. A report is being sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 15/05/2021 on the A7 near to Martins Bridge, Hawick, driver has been charged for careless driving and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 19/05/2021, High Street, Hawick a driver has been charged for parking offences by parking near to a crossing and will be reported.
On 26/05/2021, Teviot Road, Hawick a report was received regarding vehicles that appear abandoned. Enquiries are ongoing to establish if any road traffic offences have been committed.
On 30/05/2021, near to Crowbyers, Hawick a report was received regarding a van being driven erratically. Vehicle was traced and seized. Enquiry ongoing.
Tackling Serious and Organised Crime
On the 9th of May 2021 officers from Hawick Police Station executed a drugs search warrant at two addresses in the Burnfoot area of Hawick. A search of the properties resulted in 60g of Crack Cocaine, Herbal Cannabis, and £555 cash being recovered, the total value of drugs recovered was £6000. A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal regarding the occupants of the addresses.
On 12th of May 2021 officers in Galashiels stopped a motor vehicle due to recent intelligence. The vehicle was subsequently searched and within the vehicle 4 oz of Herbal Cannabis were found. A warrant was executed at an address as a result and in total 385g of herbal cannabis was recovered. The driver was arrested and reported for drug and driving offences.
On 14th of May 2021 a drugs search warrant was executed at an address in Langlee, Galashiels, following a search of the address an amount of non-prescribed medication along with evidence of drug supply. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
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On 19th of May 2021 a drugs search warrant was executed at an address in Innerleithen. A search of the address fond 9g of Cannabis. A male was arrested a reported for possession of these drugs.
On 21st of May 2021 a drugs search warrant was executed at an address in Galashiels by officers based at Galashiels. Following the search of the property a quantity of Cannabis based Sweet products were recovered. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal following their analysis.
Campaigns
Campaigns National Shut Out Scammers Campaign In partnership with Trading Standards, Scotland Police Scotland has showcased the issue with Scammers with extensive Social Media posts:
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Divisional Domestic Abuse campaign Ongoing regular social media posts highlighting the local Domestic Abuse Advocacy Service(DAAS) and national helpline contact details and reporting mechanisms. Further engagement with main local employers to share campaign messages, information in relation to local support services and charities and prevention messages targeting perpetrators directly.
General Crime Prevention Activity Rural Scottish Borders Partnership against Rural Crime (SBPARC) the partnership continues to meet regularly to address local priority rural crime throughout the year.
Police Scotland continued to post advice on social media and SBAlert regarding theft prevention.
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Police Scotland continued to distribute free SelectaDNA forensic marking kits & signs to farmers and rural business. These can be requested by Farmers / Rural businesses using the Contact Us Form on the Police Scotland Website.
Scams Scams prevention advice has continued to be distributed via SBAlert and Social Media platforms.
No Cold Calling Zones A new zone at Fisher Avenue, Hawick is underway. A refresh of the existing zone (new road signs and house packs) in Swinton village is ongoing.
Redeployable CCTV Cameras have been deployed in Eyemouth town centre at the request of the Community Action Team in response to ongoing youth-related ASB.
CAT Update:
Throughout May SBCAT have continued to focus on issues highlighted by the public through the SBCAT tasking process. This has included
Youth ASB – SBCAT have continued to deploy around Tweeddale and Eyemouth in relation to Youth ASB whilst being flexible, deploying to other towns as matters arise such as in Jedburgh during May. SBCAT have undertaken a number of alcohol seizures across the Borders along with charging an individual for suppling alcohol to children under the age of 18. Those identified as being present during any reported ASB have subsequently had a letter sent home advising their parents of their involvement with the Police.
Drugs – SBCAT continue to tackle the sale of harmful substances in our communities across the region by executing a number of MDA warrants and undertaking intelligence led searches of those known to be involved in the supply of drugs. Of note during an execution of a MDA warrant in Hawick Class A drugs with a potential street value of £6,000 was seized in an operation whereby a vulnerable person was being used for the illicit gain of others.
Road Safety – As lockdown restrictions are eased SBCAT have been undertaking high visibility patrols of local town centres and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate to cars parked dangerously on inconsiderately. SBCAT have also undertaken action in relation to timed parking in an effort to allow a flow of customers returning to business as they begin to open. Further SBCAT officers have been undertaking Road Checks across the region resulting in cars being seized where no appropriate insurance has been in place and issuing ASBO warning to those driving carelessly or inconsiderately to other road users.
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Feedback from a meeting/contacting your Community Policing Team
Anyone with information relating to any criminal activity can contact Police Scotland by dialling 101 or alternatively anonymously by calling CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555111.
Should the Community Council wish to discuss any matters highlighted in the report, please contact:
We will endeavour to provide you with this information, however some information is sensitive and as an organisation we have to ensure compliance with GDPR.
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