Wishaw & District Area Partnership Police Report

1January - 22 February 2007 1. 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 .

0 1001 stop searches 163 visits to off sales 0 307 visits to other licensed premises 0 19 litres of alcohol seized from adults 30.5 litres of alcohol seized from juveniles 0 28 under 18s reported for street drinking 0 67 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 2007.

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

Terrorism 0 Violent Crime 0 Child Protection 0 Drugs 0 Public Disorder 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 inaugural meeting of Wishaw Young Offenders Forum took place on 24 January 2006 at Wishaw Police Office and involved 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. 2 WARD6 - CRAIGNEUK Community Police Officers - Constable Bob Chalmers, Constable Alan Kerr, Constable Jim McCormick

2.1 Ongoing Police Issues

The area experiences typical criminal issues expected of a deprived area such as violence and drugs misuse, however the predominant trend is currently youth anti-social behaviour manifesting itself in vandalism, disorder, drunkenness, drug misuse and violence, Youth disorder is particularly prevalent in the area with the following areas of particular note.

Shie/dmuir Station - This is a Strathclyde Passenger Transport station on the main line to . It is unmanned and currently has no CCTV coverage. It is the responsibility of British Transport Police and causes no problems in its own right however, due to the presence of a footbridge linking the Muirhouse area with Craigneuk, it has become the focal point for youth disorder involving gang fighting between the two factions. This is cyclical but can result in mass disorder and vandalism to the immediate area, which causes distress to the mainly elderly residents.

A number of proactive measures have been undertaken to address the problem Viz.

0 Schools visits have been undertaken in both areas to highlight the dangers of gang-fighting and warn those involved of the consequences. 0 Individuals involved have been identified, arrested and reported to the Criminal Justice system. 0 Partners continue to work together to devise various interventions that will impact on the problem. 0 Intelligence-led, targeted patrols continue in the area. 0 Sharing of information between the Police and Housing has led to joint visits.

This appears to have had the desired effect and incidents of disorder at Shieldmuir Station are minimal. i/axmi// Avenue/G/encairn Ave - This area suffers from general antisocial behaviour caused by a number of youths who are known to the Police. In particular the lane connecting Glencairn Avenue to Glenclelland Road is problematic in terms of youths congregating, drinking and causing general disorder ranging from low-level antisocial behaviour to serious violence. Discussions are currently ongoing with a view to environmental improvements that will assist in securing a reduction in antisocial behaviour. Alternative measures such as antisocial behaviour orders are also being progressed in the area with a view to disrupting youth gang activity. The first of ten writs has been lodged with the court and it is anticipated that the first interim ASBO will be secured on 29 March 2007, with the other nine following soon after.

Gateside Road - This is one of the longest streets in Craigneuk and is the source of numerous complaints, the majority of which concern youth disorder. The Police have been required to attend an excessive amount of calls mostly relating to vandalism and verbal harassment. The core group of offenders has been identified and joint housing / police visits have taken place, which has resulted in a reduction of incidents.

Heathery Park/ Sid/aw Drive - Although there is not the same number of incidents of youth disorder in the area, a perpetual complaint exists in relation to the use of trail and quad bikes in Sidlaw Drive and Heathery Park. A number have been seized and the offenders have been charged with road traffic related offences. As a consequence the number of incidents relating to quad bike use has all but disappeared.

Old Site - The site of the former is a massive area of land situated between Craigneuk and Jerviston in Motherwell. It is currently being prepared for redevelopment. There are no particular issues with this area although it is sometimes used to dump stolen vehicles or as a pre- arranged meeting place for rival gangs to fight.

Winning Quadrant - This is an area of run-down, privately owned flats on the opposite side of Glasgow Road from the main estate. It is characterised by a high turnover of residents due to the amount of private lets. Currently there are a number of Polish residents who have recently come to the UK in search of work and numerous issues have already emerged, which have necessitated police involvement both in terms of integrating them into the community and antisocial behaviour.

Wishaw Genera/ Huspita/ - Wishaw General Hospital is a modern NHS hospital which opened in 2001. It has an A&E dept, secure mental health wards and the local mortuary. The hospital has suffered in the past from break-ins to motor vehicles in the car parks and minor thefts both by staff and members of the public. A&E is also a source of disorder, generally alcohol related and predominately at the weekend. Local police procedures dictate all arrests from Wishaw General are to be treated as custody cases. 2.2 Emerging Trends

0 Youth disorder. Gang fights are being organised on the internet.

2.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

Pro&lem Solving - A multi-agency approach is being adopted in relation to recurring problems in the area. Meetings involving key partners continue to develop joint problem-solving approaches.

Gang fighting / Youth Disorder - Members of local youth gangs have been identified and all avenues available to the police are being utilised to tackle the associated problems. This also involves co-ordinated action with partners, which has included joint visits by Housing, Police and Antisocial Task Force. The Police and their partners are currently reviewing recent incidents in Craigneuk relating to violence and antisocial behaviour with a view to compiling a community impact assessment, identifying the persistent individuals who are causing recurring problems and reporting offenders to the Procurator Fiscal.

Joint warnings with the police and housing continue to have a positive impact with a number of householders being warned regarding the antisocial activity in their house.

Glencassells Community Development Project "The Venny" Centre - This is a drop-in centre situated at the end of Glencairn Avenue Craigneuk and is open Monday to Friday between 1100 - 1400 hours and 1830 - 2130 hours. The facility is utilised by all age groups and is an ideal method for the Police to work with staff and positively engage with local youths.

Craigneuk Practitioners Group - The Police are now represented at this group, which meets to discuss current issues in Craigneuk and how relevant partners can assist in shaping a positive future. A local action plan is currently being developed. 2.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

28.0 1.07 Serious Assault Flaxmill Avenue, Wishaw - Two x 17 year old males struck on face with bottle. 23 year old male arrested.

27.0 I .07 Serious Assault Flaxmill Avenue, Wishaw - 28 year old male punched and kicked about the head and body. Enquires continue.

30.01-07 3 x drugs offences Pentland Road, Wishaw - Be concerned in the supply of drugs - 28 year old male arrested for supplying diamorphine.

01.02.07 3 x drugs offences Sidlaw Drive, Wishaw - Be concerned in the supply of drugs - 23 year old male arrested for supplying diamorphine.

09.02.07 4 x drugs offences Broompark Road, Craigneuk - 42 year old male and 28 year old female arrested for supplying cannabis resin.

11.02.07 Robbery / Serious Assault Glencairn Avenue, Craigneuk - 44 & 47 year old males assaulted with knives, bottles and baseball bats and robbed. 17 year old male arrested.

16.02.07 Serious Assault Glenclelland Road, Craigneuk - 27 year old male struck on head with implement. 44 year old male arrested.

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

P 14 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 13 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 7 persons charged supplying controlled drugs P 4 persons reported for street drinking. P 16 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. P 2 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. P 13 persons arrested for breach of bail conditions 3 WARD7 - BELHAVEN Community Police Officer - Constable John Lewis

3.1 Ongoing Police Issues

Behaven Park- Common meeting ground for youths who drink and cause disorder.

3.2 Emerging Trends

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

3.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

e Allanton Grove Neighbourhood Watch 0 Liaison with High Schools

3.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

07.01.07 Offensive Weapon Glasgow Road, Wishaw - One I9 year old male arrested for possession of a metal baseball bat.

22.02.07 Offensive Weapon x 2 Waverly Drive, Wishaw - Two 14 year old males reported for being in possession of a mallet.

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

h 26 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. h 8 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. h 12 persons reported for street drinking. > 15 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. .b 5 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. h 3 persons arrested for breach of bail conditions 4 WARD8 - STEWARTON Community Police Officer - Constable Elaine Baxter

4.1 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.

4.2 Emerging Trends

e Displacement of street drinking to back courts off Main Street e Large groups of youths gathering on Friday / Saturday nights

4.2 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

e Radio Link e Joint working with Town Centre Wardens and retailers to address problems associated with back courts.

4.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

01.01.07 Serious Assault East Academy Street, Wishaw - 19 year old male complainer punched and kicked about the head and body - fractured hand - 18 year old male arrested.

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

P 13 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 1 person charged possession of controlled drugs. P 5 persons reported for street drinking. P 10 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. P 2 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. P 8 persons arrested for breach of bail conditions 5 WARD9 - Community Police Officer - Constable Lorraine Sharkey

5.1 Ongoing Police Issues

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

5.2 Emerging Trends

Following some joint training between the Police and Social Work, a new missing person protocol for children in accommodated care has been put in place for Cambusnethan Children’s Home. This is being successful in reducing the amount of time that the Police have to spend on non-vulnerable missing persons.

5.3 On going Initiatives/police activity

Branchal Road Residents Association / Neighbourhood Watch

5.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

02.02.07 Serious Assault Greenhead Road, Wishaw - 14 year old male punched and kicked about the head. 14 Year old male arrested.

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

> 10 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. > 9 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. > 3 persons charged supplying controlled drugs > 8 persons reported for street drinking. > 4 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. > 1 person arrested/reported for vandalism. > 1 person arrested for breach of bail conditions 6 WARD10 - COLTNESS Community Police Officer - Constable Craig Ritchie

6.1 Ongoing Police Issues

Larchfield 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.

6.2 Emerging Trends

Youth disorder at Denholm Drive.

6.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

The local community police officer 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.

The ball games area in Walkerburn Drive continues to contribute to a reduction in youth disorder and vandalism 6.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

22.02.07 Culpable & Reckless Conduct North Kilmeny Crescent, Wishaw - fire air gun at moving bus. Enquiry continues.

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

k 11 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 2 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 7 persons reported for street drinking. k 5 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. P 9 persons arrested for breach of bail conditions 7 WARD 14 - PATHER& GOWKTHRAPPLE Community Police Officers - Constable Kirstin Mills, Constable Stuart Murray

7.1 Ongoing Police Issues

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.

7.2 Emerging Trends

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

7.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

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. 7.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

02.01.07 Serious Assault Woodgreen Court, Wishaw - 35 year old male stabbed, 37 year old male arrested.

05.02.07 4 x Drugs Offences Heathfield, Wishaw - 50 year old female arrested for being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin.

05.02.07 3 x Drugs Offences Allershaw Tower, Wishaw - 50 year old female arrested for being concerned in the supply of diazepam.

05.02.07 4 x Drugs Offences Stanhope Place, Wishaw - 21 year old female arrested for being concerned in the supply of diazepam.

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

P I0 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 2 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 1 person charged supplying controlled drugs P 5 persons reported for street drinking. > 7 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. P 5 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. > 1 person arrested for breach of bail conditions 8 WARD 15 - GARRION Community Police Officers - Constable Kirstin Mills, Constable Stuart Murray

8.1 Ongoing Police Issues

Youth disorder and vandalism

8.2 Emerging Trends

0 Crowds of youth gathering on Friday / Saturday nights 0 Gang fighting

8.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

PuMc Reassurance - Regular visits by Community Police to reassure staff/ residents at Cala Sona Court. Similar visits undertaken to OAP group Overton 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 Ward 15 resulting in a number of arrests and crimes / offences being detected.

8.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

14.02.07 Serious Assault Castlehill Road, Wishaw - 14 year old male punched on face and sustained a broken nose. !4 year old male being reported.

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

P 3 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 3 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 4 persons reported for street drinking. 9 8 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. 9 2 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. 9 WARD 16 - NEWMAINS Community Police Officers - Constable Les Brownlie, Constable Pam Dick, Constable Jamie Hawie

9.1 Ongoing Police Issues

Atrernethyn 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 and setting fires to the rear of the shop premises.

7Xree 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.

Weshwood 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.

9.2 Emerging Trends

0 Vandalism to vehicles including buses, private cars and emergency response in the West Crindledyke area is becoming more prevalent. Youth disorder at Abernethyn Road.

9.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

A meeting has taken place with Newmains Housing Office and the Antisocial Task Force to discuss antisocial behaviour in particular 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.

Routine visits to local schools. Targeted patrols to detect those responsible for committing acts of antisocial behaviour.

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

9.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

27.01.07 Att Murder /Culpable & Reckless Conduct x 4 / Assault x 4 / Breach of the Peace Laidon Walk, Newmains - 20 year old male and 32 year old female victims. 22 year old male arrested.

29.0 1.07 Culpable & Reckless Conduct Tiree Crescent, Newmains - throw stone at moving bus and break window. 11 year old male reported.

17.02.07 Breach of ASBO Murdostoun View, Newmains - 30 year old female and 36 year old male reported.

19.02.07 Breach of ASBO Murdostoun View, Newmains - 30 year old female and 36 year old male reported.

20.02.07 Breach of ASBO Murdostoun View, Newmains - 30 year old female and 36 year old male reported.

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

P 28 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 11 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. P 13 persons reported for street drinking. P 15 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. P 4 persons arrested/reported for vandalism. P 13 persons arrested for breach of bail conditions P 3 persons reported for breach of ASBO 10 WARD 17 - STANE Community Police Officer - Constable Mark McCool

Hartwood Hospita/ - 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 purpose of drinking. This has been addressed via action plans.

A//anton - Although the town of Allanton is small, there are isolated incidents where the town finds itself the meeting place for gangs from Newmains and Shotts, who due to Allanton’s central position, meet here to fight.

Kingshi// Road, Manton - 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 Co/tness 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.

10.2 Emerging Trends

Youth disorder and vandalism particularly on buses. 0 Thefts from Hartwood Hospital

10.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

Liaison with local bus companies to overcome to disorder problems associated with buses. 10.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

09.01.07 s.5(3) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 33 year old female arrested for possession of diamorphine with intent to supply.

09.02.07 s.5(3) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 17 year old female arrested for possession of diamorphine with intent to supply.

12.02.07 s.5(3) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 43 year old female arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

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

> 2 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. > 3 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. > 4 persons charged supplying controlled drugs > 2 persons reported for street drinking. > 7 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. > I person arrested/reported for vandalism. > 1 person arrested for breach of bail conditions I1 WARD 18 - DYKEHEAD

Community Police Officers - Constable Scott McKay, Constable Billy Sloan

11.1 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.

11.2 Emerging Trends

0 Noise pollution caused by quad / trail bikes.

11.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

Visits made to Herbison 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.

A number of focused actions have been carried out by the Police in relation to youth disorder / antisocial behaviour in Ward 18 resulting in a number of arrests and crimes / offences being detected.

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.

Operation Lockdown targeting a team of ten housebreakers saw 10 people being arrested and charged with a total of 27 crimes. 11.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

06.01.07 Serious Assault Baton Road, Shotts - 36 year old male struck on head with metal object. 30 year old male arrested.

07.01.07 Reckless Conduct with a Firearm Brown Street, Shotts - recklessly discharge air weapon. Male suspect, enquiry continues.

11.01.07 2 x Drugs Offences Rimmon Crescent, Shotts - 21 year old male arrested for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

19.0 1.07 Breach of ASBO 45 year old female arrested.

29.0 1.07 Culpable & Reckless Conduct Tulloch Road, Shotts - One 11 year old male reported for throwing brick through window of school bus.

10.12.06 Serious Assault Bute Crescent, Shotts - 36 year old male punched and kicked about the head and body - eye injury - 20 year old male arrested.

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

3 17 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. 3 15 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. 3 1 person charged supplying controlled drugs 3 25 persons reported for street drinking. 3 16 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. 3 1 person arrested/reported for vandalism. 12 WARD 19 - CLELAND Community Police Officer - Constable Craig Ritchie

12.1 Ongoing Police Issues

Main Sf/ 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.

12.2 Emerging Trends

Youth disorder behind shops on Friday / Saturday nights

12.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

Proactive Po/icing- A number of focused actions have been carried out by the Police in relation to youth disorder / antisocial behaviour in Ward 19 resulting in a number of arrests and crimes / offences being detected.

MoMe Poke OHce has been in situ at shops on Main Street to engage with the local community.

12.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

19.02.07 Serious Assault Chapel Street, Cleland - 22 year old male stabbed. I9 year old female arrested.

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

> 6 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 2 persons reported for street drinking. k 6 persons arrested/reported for other disorder/anti social related offences. 13 WARD 20 - BENHAR Community Police Officer - Constable William Wilson

13.1 Ongoing Police Issues

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 Lorries which are parked overnight. The petrol stations also suffer from drive-offs, whereby motorists fail to pay for their fuel. The most complaints come from the eastbound services, where, when vehicles leave the station they quickly enter Lothian and Borders police force.

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. In this regard, the Local Authority undertook a clean-up of the area on 13 / 14 November and discussions are ongoing in relation to appointing a factor to maintain the improved environment.

Gangs- The town of Harthill is too small to allow the development of gangs. There are isolated incidents where some disorder between youngsters from Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg have occurs.

13.2 Emerging Trends

0 Youth disorder in the area of Bank Rd. 0 Theft from vehicles parked at service area M8

13.3 Ongoing Initiatives / Police Activity

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 has been included in the consultation. Liaison with Lothian & Borders Police to identify and address issues of joint concern.

13.4 Incidents of Note / Noteworthy Arrests

11.01.07 Section 4(2) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Paxstone Crescent, Harthill - One 42 year old male arrested for cultivating cannabis.

15.01.07 Offensive Weapon Westcraigs Road, Harthill - One 15 year old male arrested for possession of a table leg.

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

'P 9 persons arrested/reported for Breach of the Peace. P 2 persons charged possession of controlled drugs. 'P 3 persons reported for street drinking.