Inverness Crime Prevention Panel

Inverness Scotland – Partnership Approach to Rockness 2009 – Round up

Jun 19th, 2009

Multi agency partners are happy to report the overall success of Rockness 2009 from the emergency services perspective on previous years.

This year saw fewer thefts, incidents of public disorder and assault.

Chief Superintendent Andy Cowie commented:

“Obviously from a policing perspective the event is ongoing until everyone leaves the campsite, but at present we are happy with how Rockness 2009 has gone.

“We have had fewer incidents of public disorder and assaults and I think this is reflective of the carnival atmosphere and general good humour of the crowd over the weekend.

“We have had a significant number of positive drugs searches and a total of 15 people reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with alleged drug possession with intent to supply, which are both up on last year.

“We are welcoming any feedback that festival goers have on the policing of the event and comments can be sent to feedback@northern.pnn.police.uk.”

“A lot of work gone into the planning for the event which included the ‘Safeness’ aspect which I think festival goers have taken on board which has meant that the majority have stayed safe to enjoy the festival.”

Nigel Stafford from the British Red Cross gave a roundup of the field hospital activity over the weekend: “Generally this year we found that the people who required medical assistance were happy to be treated. There was a good atmosphere. Whilst Friday and Saturday night were a bit quieter than last year’s event last night (Sunday) was busy.

“We found that most people who came to us in need of assistance were suffering from the effects of a previous medical condition or simply hadn’t remembered to bring their prescribed medication with them (asthmatics, diabetics etc).

“We had one case where a young man suffered superficial burns to his hands after using a gas canister at the campsite. Last night we had a few people who suffered bumps and grazes from falls but overall our figures look like we had less people presenting with problems relating to illegal drug use.

“By the end of the weekend the number of people requiring medical assistance was marginally up on last year (around 800 this year) but there certainly appears to be have been fewer drug related cases.”

Suzy Calder, Co-ordinator for the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team said:

“We are very pleased to hear that less people have felt unwell through drug related issues at this year’s event. We hope that the drug and alcohol safety messages are giving food for thought. As expected at any large musical festival there were a lot of people drinking alcohol but we would hope that new initiatives, such as free water at the Safeness tent, would help to reduce the ill effects of that as much as possible. It was certainly a very popular tent.”

Area Manager Scott Hay, Head of Community Risk Management for Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service said “Overall, we are delighted that the event passed with only minor fire issues and most people did seem to make use of the dedicated food outlets and barbeque areas. We are glad to have been involved in such a successful event with our key emergency service partners”.

Karen Carson, NHS Highland Health Promotion Specialist (Young People and Sexual Health) said:

“This year we were delighted to work in partnership to be able to provide a supply of free condoms and chat about sexual health with the young people attending the festival. As part of the Safeness initiative Brook (sexual health advice and info for under 25s) and volunteers from the Terrence Higgins Trust gave out around 30,000 condoms.

“Feedback from our volunteers is that people were really happy to come over to chat and pick up some information. The fact that they also gave out the Safeness supplies of bottled water, wet wipes, torches and rucksacks meant that there was absolutely no embarrassment in approaching the tent.”

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

Police Figures

175 positive drug searches

15 people reported to Procurator Fiscal in relation to possession of illegal drugs with intent to supply

6 incidents of breach of the peace

5 reports of thefts

5 reports of minor assaults

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Posted in: Crime Prevention, Drugs & Alcohol, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, Inverness, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: 2009 · Inverness · partnership · report · rockness · scotland

Island hopping 24 hour charity golf challenge for Northern Constabulary officers

Jun 11th, 2009

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A team of Northern Constabulary Police Officers are engaging in a very unique challenge at a charity golf event next week.

Macmillan Cancer Support are holding a UK wide event throughout the summer of 2009 to raise money for the charity.

The challenge is for teams of four to play 72 holes of golf in one day (24hours). It will involve walking approximately 20 miles and playing about 300+ shots each and losing a proportionate number of golf balls.

Most participant teams will play four rounds on their home course, however, officers James Winter, David Housby, Graeme Erskine and Nick Hough, based in the Western Isles, are planning to make the event even more challenging – four rounds, four courses on four different islands in one day!

PC Hough said: “The walking and the golf fair quite well in comparison with the logistical challenges involved.”

Starting in the Isle of Barra at 0300hrs and culminating in Stornoway, Lewis about 2300hrs it will involve three ferry crossings, 300 miles of driving passing through nine islands and little time to take in the wonderful scenery of the Western Isles. Barra, Askernish (South Uist), Harris and Stornoway courses are to be played.

A significant amount of support and assistance has already been given by Western Isles organisations to assist with green fees, ferries, minibus hire. 11500 has already been raised for the cause and they hope to raise this to at least 12000.

The Western Isles Longest Day Challenge will take place on Thursday 18 June 2009, utilising the long hours of daylight the Hebrides gets at this time of year.

Donations and information can be found at our specific Macmillan Cancer Support webpage:

www.justgiving.com/westernislesgolf

Please contact PC Nick Hough, Benbecula for any information about the route, photo opportunities or further details. Benbecula Police Station 01870 602374.

ends

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Posted in: ICPP News, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: cancer · charity · golf · macmillan · nothern constabulary · support

Rockness 2009 – Go easy on the alcohol – Drink in the atmosphere

Jun 11th, 2009

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In preparation for the North’s biggest music festival Rockness fans are being reminded to stay safe when it comes to alcohol; overdoing it can ruin it.

Last year the event attracted a crowd of around 30,000 people per day.

NHS Highlands Substance Misuse Co-ordinator and Lead Nurse Dougie Montgomery said:

“Last year we saw some people overindulge so much that they ended up in the field hospital and missed the event completely. We want to encourage people to enjoy themselves in a safe way.

“The atmosphere at the event created by the crowds, the music, the open air and the excitement means that it can be easy to get a little reckless. The consequences of drinking too much are well known and the longer term effects on your own health and wellbeing, as well as those around you, can lead to regret.

“It’s important to bear in mind that the weather can also affect how you feel if you’re drinking alcohol. You will have a higher risk of sun stroke and dehydration if it’s hot and of becoming unwell if it’s chilly; your senses will be impaired and you may not realise how cold you’re becoming.

“We know that alcohol is likely to play a part in some people’s enjoyment of the festival and we would urge them to pace their drinking and know when to stop.

“Looking after yourself includes drinking water and non alcoholic fluids, eating, not mixing your drinks to excess, and remembering that you are in charge of your own personal safety.

“It’s also really important that people stick together and look out for their friends. The festival ground is enormous when it’s packed and it’s very easy to get separated, add alcohol into that equation and you quickly find that some people get panicky and disorientated because they’ve drunk too much”.

Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service Risk Management Co-ordinator Cathie Way also urged festival goers to make good use of the dedicated food preparation areas and eating outlets. She added:
“Cooking and drinking alcohol really don’t mix and we want everyone to have a memorable festival for all the right reasons.

“We’ve adopted a multi-agency approach this year (partnership with NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Scottish Ambulance Service, HDAAT, Red Cross, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service) to help keep people as safe as possible. Scottish Water have kindly donated 100 water bottles so as festival goers can refill as required and we’ve combined resources to offer free bottled water, contraception, torches and wet wipes throughout the three day period.”

Scottish Water’s Communities Manager for the Highlands, Joanna Peebles, said: “Drinking water helps you stay fit, alert and energetic – just the tonic for a lively outdoor event such as Rockness. It’s important for festival-goers to keep hydrated so we hope the sports bottles we’ve donated will be well used. We’re proud of the drinking water we make in the Highlands and we’ll be delivering a regular supply of it to the Rockness site. The event is good for the Highland economy and we’re very
happy to support it.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information please call NHS Highland Communications Officer Jo Young on 01463 704774.

Dehydration – the facts
When you are dehydrated, it means that the amount of fluids (water) your body is losing is more than the amount of water your body is taking in.
Your body is made up of about two-thirds water.

You’re not drinking enough water if…
- Your urine is dark, concentrated and has a strong smell. If it’s clear and odourless then you are drinking enough fluid.

- Headaches are often a sign of dehydration, so before reaching for a headache pill, try a glass of water.

These are the health benefits associated with drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day…
- Water does not contain sugar so choosing to drink water over sugary or carbonated drinks helps you have healthier teeth, and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day helps to keep your bones, hair and nails healthy.
- Drinking water before, during and after physical activity helps you stay alert and have extra energy. Healthy and hydrated muscle tissue is around 75% water and drinking 6-8 glasses every day can help you prevent
tiredness and cramps.

- Your brain tissue is around 85% water. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day helps you have better memory and concentration. Results have shown that your performance, both academically and creatively, is
increased when you drink water throughout your day.
- Healthy skin is around 70% water – but it is the last organ in your body to benefit from your body’s supply of water. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day helps you have soft, firm skin and it help prevent the appearance of fine lines and spots.

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Posted in: Drink Driving, Drugs & Alcohol, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, Inverness, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: alcohol · drink · music · rockness 2009

Grampian Police and Northern Constabulary announce new partnership approach to tackle wildlife crime in rural areas

Jun 11th, 2009

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Police, the Scottish Government and partner agencies are today (Monday 8 June 2009) launching a comprehensive new initiative to tackle crime in rural areas.

The River Watch initiative will see Grampian Police working in partnership with Northern Constabulary, the Spey Fishery Board (SFB) and Marine Scotland.

The main focus of River Watch will be the River Spey, which flows through both Grampian Police and Northern Constabulary force areas.

The aim of the scheme will be to reduce wildlife crime, such as poaching and the illegal removal of fresh water pearl mussels, but at the same time allow Police and their partners to share information and intelligence gathered in relation to other types of rural crime.

It is being led by Grampian Police’s PC Doug Darling of Moray Division, who is also the area’s Wildlife Crime Unit officer.

He said: “There have been increased reports of poaching on the River Spey and in a direct response to this we have put together this initiative with our partner agencies.

“It combines action from Marine Scotland, who tackle illegal fishing at sea with increased co-operation between the Police and water bailiffs from the SFB.”

Grampian Police has committed to providing a single point of contact (PC Darling) for all water bailiffs and estates that wish to join the initiative.

In addition PC Darling will provide all agencies and partners with monthly updates from Police regarding any illegal activity on the river. Agencies and partners will also have the opportunity to share information they obtain with officers, which is similar to the way in which urban schemes such as Pubwatch and Early Warning Schemes operate.

Inspector Craig Donald, Divisional Inspector for Speyside, said:

“This ultimately reflects the importance of this issue in our eyes and how it affects the community along the River Spey.

“Fishing has a major impact on the economy in the area and as such we intend to work with our partners to ensure such criminal activity does not have a negative effect on our communities.

“We would hope to see spin off benefits from this initiative including greater intelligence being gathered regarding criminal activity in general, along the coast and river, which would allow us to take appropriate action.”

Chief Inspector Paul Eddington, Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator at Northern Constabulary, said:
“This initiative is an excellent example of agencies working together at a practical level to tackle this type of crime, which adversely affects rural communities.

“I am very confident that this initiative will make a positive impact on criminal activity in these rural areas.”

Anyone with information regarding illegal fishing, poaching or any other form of suspected crime in these rural areas is urged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5 700,
email PC Darling at Douglas.Darling@grampian.pnn.police.uk
or call Northern Constabulary on 01463 715555.

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Posted in: Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction, Grampian Police, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, Inverness, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: crime · fisheries · grampian · Northern Constabulary · poaching · region · river · spey · wildlife

Rockness Music Festival 2009 – Drugs Awareness and Information

Jun 11th, 2009

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Rockness revellers are being urged to play it safe to get the most out of this year’s three day music festival.

Health experts are reminding partygoers to drink plenty of water, to eat well and to avoid taking unnecessary risks when it comes to alcohol and illegal drugs.

Suzy Calderfrom the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team said:

“It was very sad that there was a drugs death at the event last year.

“This year we’re keen to help people stay safe by reminding them that a carnival atmosphere does not reduce the risks associated with taking illicit drugs.

“Last year we saw some people overindulge and end up in the field hospital, missing the event completely.

“We would urge anyone attending Rockness not to dabble, and remind them that if they simply cannot say no then they should at least let a close and reliable friend know what they’ve taken so that if they do need medical help we have a clear picture of what’s going on.

“It’s also worth pointing out that you have no idea what you’re buying or exposing yourself to when it comes to drugs. Powders are easily mixed with a variety of cheap hazardous substances which could cause your body untold harm.

“We want people going to the festival to enjoy themselves but we would urge them not to overindulge as the consequences could prove fatal. Rockness is a much loved event so why risk your health and your life? You can have fun and party safely.

“If you or your friends have taken something and start to feel unwell please seek medical help immediately. Time is critical. Taking drugs affects you in many ways: your vision may be impaired, your senses are heightened and numbed at the same time so you might expose yourself to other harm by losing your inhibitions or risking your personal safety.”

“We’ve adopted a multi-agency approach this year (partnership with NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary, Scottish Ambulance Service, Red Cross, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service) to help keep people as safe as possible. We’ve been pooling resources to offer free bottled water, contraception, torches and wet wipes throughout the three day period.”

Event Crime Co-ordinator, Detective Inspector John Patience added:

“We will, as we have in previous years be taking a robust stance on anyone taking drugs to Rockness.

“This year we are providing those bringing drugs the offer to give them up at the entrance to amnesty bins without facing any repercussions.

“A pro-active, intelligence led approach will again be taken to drug dealing at the festival and those caught could face a lengthy prison sentence.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information please call NHS Highland Communications Officer Jo Young on 01463 704774
or Lynsey Clark, Northern Constabulary Media & Marketing Officer on 01463 720397.

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Posted in: Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction, Crimestoppers Scotland, Drugs & Alcohol, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, Inverness, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: awareness · drugs · festival · information · Inverness · music · rockness · scotland

Police appeal for information after salmon thefts at Loch Laxford in Scotland

Jun 11th, 2009

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POLICE are appealing for information after around 150 brood salmon, worth between 145,000 and 160,000, were stolen from a fish farm in Loch Laxford, near Scourie.

The thefts are believed to have taken place sometime between 20 April 2009 and 14 May 2009. The discovery was made recently and reported to Police this week.

They are owned by a company who have holding nets in the loch. Anyone who may be offered salmon by someone unknown to them or from an unauthorised source is urged to contact:
Dornoch Police Station on 01862 810222
or call Crimestoppers 24-7 anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ends

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Posted in: Crime Prevention, Crimestoppers Scotland, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: appeal · information · loch laxford · salmon · scotland · thefts

Rockness Music Festival 2009 – Agencies join forces to improve safety and health

Jun 11th, 2009

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Revellers attending Rockness 2009 will benefit from a multi-agency approach to health, safety and security. This year’s festival is expected to attract around 75,000 people over a three day period.

Suzy Calder, Substance Misuse Strategy and Implementation Manager from Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team (HDAAT) supported the partnership working:
“Rockness 2009 has provided a platform for all multi-agency partners to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of the festival goers.

“In previous years HDAAT have been involved in awareness raising regarding drug and alcohol issues. The cohesive partnership working this year has allowed us to deliver our safety messages as part of a bigger picture which encompasses all aspects of the festival.

“Whilst we encourage all those attending to keep themselves safe, we obviously want them to enjoy themselves and make it a memorable weekend for all the right reasons.”

NHS Highland’s Harm Reduction Co-ordinator John Glenday said:

“Rockness is a real opportunity for people to have a lot of fun and to enjoy their favourite music. In the spirit of that I would urge festival goers to take on board the health messages that we have issued, about drugs, alcohol and safe sex, to make sure that they get the most out of their time at the event.

“It’s vital that people remember that they need to eat, to drink water and to make sure that they maximise their fun by dressing appropriately for the weather and applying sunscreen if necessary. Taking an extra few minutes to get ready for Rockness can be the difference between a real party and a total disaster. Personal responsibility is key but to help kickstart this our multi-agency approach has enabled us to provide some free bottled water, water bottles, mini torches, wet wipes, ponchos, condoms and other protection.”

Iain MacKay, Resilience Advisor for the Scottish Ambulance Service added:
” I speak for the British Red Cross and the Scottish Ambulance Service when I say that there are little things that those attending can do to avoid illness and ensure they receive the best medical care if required.

“For example, bringing sufficient prescribed medication and letting your friends know of any medical condition you have can help enormously if you become ill at the event.”

Scott Hay, Area Manager for Community Risk Management section of HIFRS stated:
“Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to be part of a multi-agency partnership approach to this year’s event.

“From a Fire and Rescue Service perspective, we would encourage all those who attend the event to make themselves aware of all on-site fire safety messages and to take care with smoking materials, and when cooking.

“For those planning to cook or use naked flames, for safety reasons you must use the designated cooking areas only and for any outbreak of fire call 999 and notify the event security/fire wardens immediately. We hope that all those who attend enjoy the event and remain safe.”

John Lee, Area Environmental Health Manager, commented:
“The Highland Council has liaised closely with the organisers and other partner agencies in all aspects of this year’s event and we look forward to building on previous successes by ensuring a safe, healthy and enjoyable weekend for all.”

One of the improvements the partners have made, in conjunction with the organisers, is the ability to communicate important and useful information through the use of a large screen facing into the campsite area.

Festival goers will be able to view the day’s weather forecast so they can take appropriate measures, as well as having useful tips to help them stay healthy and safe.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Andy Cowie commented:

“Every year we take points from previous festivals and events around the country to improve the provision of services.

“We want this to be a safe and secure event for festival goers but everyone must take a level of responsibility themselves. Taking simple measures such as looking after your property can make a big difference to your weekend.

“I would also like to encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects criminal activity, such as drug dealing, to report it to the nearest Police Officer.”

Police this year are welcoming feedback from festival goers and have set up a dedicated email for anyone wishing to comment on the Policing at the event feedback@northern.pnn.police.uk.

Ends

For any further information please contact Northern Constabulary on 01463 720397 or NHS Highland on 01463 704774.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Partners involves in the multi-agency group include: Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, British Red Cross, Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Constabulary and Highland Council.

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Posted in: Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction, Drink Driving, Drugs & Alcohol, Guns and Knives, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, Inverness, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: festival · Inverness · music · rockness · scotland

Northern Constabulary – A9 Controlled Drugs Recovered worth £125,000

Jun 11th, 2009

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On Wednesday 3 June 2009 as a result of an intelligence led operation, officers from Northern Constabulary stopped a vehicle travelling north on the A9 at Brora, Sutherland in connection with suspected drugs offences.

As a result of the search a quantity of suspected controlled drugs with an estimated street value of £125,000 was recovered.

A 57-year-old man from the North of England was subsequently remanded in custody, following his appearance at Dornoch Sheriff Court today (Thursday 4 June 2009) in connection with offences relating to the supply of controlled drugs.

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Posted in: Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction, Drugs & Alcohol, Highlands Scotland, ICPP News, News Scotland, Northern Constabulary, United Kingdom.
Tagged: constabulary · drugs · northern · offences · scotland · swoop

Commendations for Seventeen Northern Constabulary staff in Scotland

Jun 11th, 2009

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SIXTEEN officers and one member of police staff have been commended for their actions in the course of their duty in the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey area. They received certificates of commendation at a special award ceremony on 3 June at Police Head Quarters in Inverness in the presence of invited guests and family members.

Divisional Commander and acting Head of Support Services, Chief Superintendent Andy Cowie said, “These awards are a reflection of the very high quality of people who work within Northern Constabulary and the dedication of those officers who serve our communities. This is an opportunity to recognise a number of those people and thank them.”

Two officers and a member of police staff received Area Commander Commendations and twelve officers received Divisional Commander Commendations for a range of bravery and life-saving actions, including rescuing a person from a house fire, providing life-saving first aid and intervention in an attempted suicide.

Two officers received the highest commendation from the Chief Constable. Constable Iain Blackburn and Constable John Graham (now serving in Stornoway) both received the Chief Constable’s commendation for their bravery and professionalism displayed during a critical incident in October 2008, involving the disarming of a very violent individual who was intent on commiting murder.

Chief Constable Ian Latimer praised their actions: “These two officers have shown exceptional bravery, dedication and professionalism. By exercising sound judgement they took action without regard for their own safety and disarmed a violent and dangerous individual who had already stabbed another person. Through their excellent work, a very serious situation was successfully resolved and they undoubtedly prevented a murder.”

Ends

Note to Editors:

Commendations June 2009

Category

Date

Recipient

Summary of Incident

Chief Constable

October 2008

PC Iain Blackburn

Disarming a violent individual who was intent on committing murder

Chief Constable

October 2008

PC John Graham

Disarming a violent individual who was intent on committing murder

Divisional Commander

December 2008

PC Donald Pearson

Suicidal victim on Kessock Bridge

Divisional Commander

December 2008

Insp Peter Wemyss

Suicidal victim on Kessock Bridge

Divisional Commander

July 2008

PS Angus Stewart