Rural South West PACT – June 2011
Opportunistic Rural Thefts
There has been a continuation of thefts from the gardens and steadings of farms of rural dwellings and whilst scrap metal appears to be the main thing they are looking for they are prepared to steal anything they can move. We have seen quad bikes being stolen and even farm gates (this week we arrested two from Dundee who were attempting to steal gates and they had a large van full of other unidentified metal when we caught them). We also have had two occasions where thieves have targeted vacant dwellings and stolen all of the newly installed copper wiring from one and copper pipes from another. We really do need communities to be vigilant and especially to report their concerns right away; yesterday we received a call about someone involved in stealing scrap metal four hours after the caller saw them!
Break-ins
We are also concerned over a number of break-ins, especially to out-houses, garages and sheds in the rural periphery of Blanefield, one resulted in the theft of a car.
As both types of theft are being perpetrated by people travelling into the area we have significantly increased the number of road checks being undertaken and are being assisted by colleagues from outwith the area as well as by Strathclyde Police whom have been suffering similar problems.
Road Safety
With the second fatality on the Stockiemuir Road and recently two other serious collisions there colleagues from our Collision Prevention Unit are, with colleagues from Stirling Council's Roads Department, plan to safety survey that length of the road to see whether action on the road is required. That said there is nothing so far to suggest that the road design or layout had contributed to the collisions.
Operation Ironworks
The introduction of both byelaws (alcohol consumption and camping) on East Loch Lomond has gone smoothly and the partnership has been very pleased with the public response. Though the East side of Loch Lomond continues to receive attention the drop in demand there has now enabled us to provide a higher profile in other needy areas of the National Park.
Abie's Loch
We are working closely with the community, Stirling Council and Scottish Natural Heritage to resolve what had been a growing problem of large groups of young people causing damage and risking their selves camping out at Abie's Loch. On one occasion 200 youths were discovered there and a significant number of under age youngsters were found to be in possession of alcohol.
Wind Blown Trees
We all witnessed first hand the power of the wind recently, with fallen trees blocking roads and causing damage all over the area; through Daye Tucker I have already thanked NFU members, but it is worth repeating my thanks to all the farmers and others with chain saws and tractors who volunteered to clear roads so as to maintain access for the emergency services whom were being called to emergencies all across the area.