Inverness Crime Prevention Panel » constabulary

Crime is decreasing across the Highlands and Islands – Chief Constable

editor — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:14:49 +0000

CRIME is decreasing in general across the Highlands and Islands, the Chief Constable reported to the Northern Joint police Board.

Crime is down 12% for the period April to December 2009 against the same period in 2008. This equates to 1522 fewer victims. Crime rates have actually fallen by 20% over the past 2 years. At the same time overall detection rates remain high at over 61% for classes 1 to 5 and over 84% across all classes of crime.

Northern Constabulary continues to demonstrate its commitment to reducing crime and contributing to safer communities across the Highlands and islands.

Numerous examples of successes include the following:

A number of significant drug seizures and convictions in Shetland including a 4-year sentence of a man with 120,000 of drugs including heroin.

The arrests and prosecution of 5 cases of domestic abuse in Orkney.

Two officers are to be commended for resolving a firearms incident in Barra, Western Isles.

A new initiative involving a Community Response Team has been active in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross to tackle vandalisms. The scheme has been favourably received by the public and 76 crimes of vandalism have been detected in Caithness.

There have been notable drug seizures in Ross & Cromarty, Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, including the recovery of 160,000 class A drugs on the A82 in November. A number of drink drivers were arrested throughout this area during a targetted campaign.

Considerable work continues across the region to address Domestic Abuse and Child Protection. A dedicated Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer has been appointed for the East Division area.

There have been notable seizures of drugs and successful prosecutions across the region including 2 men receiving 12 years each imprisonment at the High Court in Glasgow in December 2009 for supply of drugs.

A number of secondary schools across the region have taken part in “Driving Ambitions” which promotes safer driving.

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

editor — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:51:19 +0000

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 Â£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.

ends

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Protect your community with the Neighbourhood Watch scheme

editor — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:45:56 +0000

Northern Constabulary Police are seeking to ecnourage and assist the formation of neighbourhood watch schemes in the Inverness area. Constable

Craig Dale, Community Safety Officer at Burnett Road Police Station said:

"The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is a useful initiative which generates community spirit and safer communities. I can only encourage community minded individuals who care about the area they live in to join the scheme."

Constable Dale’s views were endorsed by Inverness Area Commander, Chief Inspector Julian Innes who said:

"Neighbourhood Watch discourages crime and anti-social behaviour. Existing neighbourhood watches are doing an excellent job, and I am hoping that we can assist in the formation of many more schemes in and around the city and would urge interested parties to contact their local Police."

If you are interested in forming a neighbourhood watch or attending a short presentation on neighbourhood watch due to take place in early May contact Police at Burnett Road, Inverness tel: 01463 228473 or 228471.

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Drug Dealers Continue to be targeted across the Highlands

editor — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:54:04 +0000

Issued: 29 Mar 2009

DRUG Dealers continue to be targeted across the Highlands and Islands as part of intelligence led operations by Northern Constabulary officers. Twenty-five officers were involved in a search of eight addresses in Caithness, resulting in the recovery of drugs, including cannabis resin with a street value of approximately £12,500 and sums of cash.

Two men, aged 44 and 26 and a 23-year-old woman have been arrested and are expected to appear in Wick Sheriff Court on Monday.

Six further people will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with drugs offences.

In a separate operation in Shetland this weekend, almost £3000 of heroin was seized and a 39-year-old man was arrested. He is expected to appear at Lerwick Sheriff court on Monday.

Detective Inspector Mark Mackay said:
"These operations are a result of ongoing intelligence gathering by North Division officers and demonstrates our commitment to disrupt, detect and report those involved in the supply of illegal drugs by carrying out enforcement activity at all opportunities.

The support of the public is essential in achieving these successes and we repeat our appeal for anybody with information about drug dealers in their areas to report it to their local police or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111"

North Divisional Commander, Superintendent Ian Arnott added: "I would like to thank the public for their continued support and to highlight the excellent work of officers which has resulted in these most recent successes."

Drugs Operation – Inverness

Issued: 27 Mar 2009

Northern Constabulary officers from East Division today carried out a number of drug searches in and around Inverness as part of the Force’s commitment to tackling the supply of illegal drugs in the Highlands and Islands. Six people have been arrested and Class A drugs with a street value of £20K twenty thousand pounds and a sum of cash have been recovered. A report is to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal at Inverness.

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Force’s head of crime departs with Northern Constabulary Chief Constable’s commendation

editor — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:32:35 +0000

Detective Superintendent Gordon Urquhart left Northern Constabulary last week after 34 years but not before receiving the prestigious Chief Constable’s Commendation for his commitment and dedication to Policing in the Highlands and Islands.

Gordon, 52, is the first officer under Chief Constable Ian Latimer’s tenure to receive the award upon retirement, with the honour usually reserved for officers who have put their lives at risk to protect our communities. Mr Latimer’s decision to mark his departure in this way clearly shows the high regard with which Gordon was held by the Force and the Chief Constable.

The Chief Constable commented: "I have great pleasure in awarding my commendation for exemplary leadership, an outstanding professional contribution to the development of crime investigation and management within Northern Constabulary and for his committed support of the Chief Constable throughout his tenure as the Head of Crime.

"Gordon was a valued colleague whose distinguished career commenced on the 28 April 1975 and concluded with his retirement on the 30th April 2009. I would like to wish him a very happy and healthy retirement."

Gordon is married to Anne, who is still a serving Police officer with Northern Constabulary and together they have a son and a daughter. He joined Northern through the cadet scheme on 19 August 1975 and was sworn in as a Police Constable on 24 April that year. The next few years saw him serve in Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, Beauly and Lerwick, which also saw him take on a role in the Traffic Department for a month.

He was promoted to Sergeant in May 1990 and assumed the role of Detective Sergeant at Lerwick, his second spell on the island. In November 1996 he won promotion to Inspector and remained on the island until 1998 when he returned to Inverness to take on the role of Detective Chief Inspector at Force HQ. In 2003 he was promoted to Head of Crime at Force HQ and the rank of Detective Superintendent. During this time he oversaw a large number of major, high profile inquiries and headed up the team which brought the successful prosecution of Michael Ross for the 1992 murder of Bangladeshi waiter Shamsuddin Mahmood in Orkney.

Gordon says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Northern Constabulary, saying:

"The 34 years seem like a lifetime. There have been highs and lows. The highs are probably pretty parochial, like solving any kind of crime.

"There have been lows but I have been fortunate to have worked with a terrific bunch of people who have turned the lows into challenges. By working as a team we have been able to work through things together. "For that reason I would not change a thing and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I was extremely honoured, as well as humbled, to receive a commendation from the Chief Constable when I officially retired last Friday. It meant the world to me and I will cherish it."

Gordon now plans to take some time out and enjoy one of his favourite pastimes of hillwalking.

He has been replaced as Head of Crime by an equally experienced officer in Detective Superintendent Ralph Noble and Gordon wished him all the best in his new role. He said: "Policing does not get any easier as the years go on, in fact there are more politics involved than ever before. However, in Ralph Noble the Force has appointed a highly experienced and capable individual who has got a good team there to work with and I wish him all the best of success in the future."

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Police in Wick Take Delivery of New Crime Fighting Tool

editor — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:18:17 +0000

POLICE in the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross command area have recently taken delivery of two vehicles fitted with the highly effective ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) crime fighting technology .

One of the cars in front of Wick Police Station

It’s introduction was made possible thanks to a project jointly funded by Highland Council, who supported the introduction of the technology through the three Caithness ward discretionary budgets.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a system which is connected to fixed or mobile cameras and can read over a large number plates per hour. The system takes a snapshot of the number plate and converts it into data which is then cross checked against police intelligence databases.

It can be compared to an intelligent CCTV system, capable of quickly identifying vehicles of interest, using minimum police resources, which assists in proactively managing and targeting criminal and road traffic offenders.

Police across Scotland are utilising ANPR technology, which is linked to an enhanced centralised database, and since its introduction in 2001 has had a major impact in the detection and investigation of crime.

The registration numbers of vehicles of interest, such as stolen vehicles or those used by travelling criminals are stored on the system databases and are compared with those registration numbers captured passing ANPR systems, therefore it has no impact on ordinary law abiding motorists.

The police operator verifies all outputs from the ANPR system before any action is taken. Great care is taken over the accuracy, currency and validity of any vehicle registration number stored on the system.

Chief Inspector Andy Brown commented:
“Investment in ANPR technology will allow my officers to specifically focus on individuals committing crime on our network of roads and to deter and disrupt criminals from going about their business.

“It will enhance our intelligence on criminal activity and permit us to track criminals and have their vehicles intercepted and occupants arrested. I can only commend the Caithness members in their determination and commitment to make Caithness a safer place to live and work.”

Councillor David Flear said:
“Members are delighted to work in partnership with Northern Constabulary in a bid to reduce and prevent crime. I am very impressed with the technology available and how it will benefit the police in dealing with criminals who regularly target remote rural areas we look forward to seeing the results of this considerable investment.”

Council members were provided with a demonstration of the system in action last week.

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Police to use Test Puchase Powers to Tackle Underage Drinking

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:24:47 +0000

NORTHERN Constabulary will be utilising the power of the test purchasing legislation to target unscrupulous licensed traders who sell alcohol to under 18s later this month and during March.

Test Purchasing schemes are designed to target the illegal sale of alcohol to young people and the irresponsible and anti-social behaviour that stems from that. By working together the Force and its partner agencies can reduce the availability of alcohol to under-18s. Over February and March, Northern Constabulary will be carrying out Test Purchases in the Inverness, the Black Isle and Easter Ross areas.

The powers will be used on an intelligence-led basis to root out licensed traders who sell alcohol to minors, adding to alcohol related problems, such as anti-social behaviour and disorder. The use of test-purchasing initiative aims, together with other areas of pro-active work with youths and youth groups by Police and partners, to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour across Inverness and the Highlands.

The scheme consists of a fully briefed teenager (under 18 years of age) entering a licensed premises under controlled conditions and in line with ACPOS agreed guidelines to purchase alcohol. If the proprietor does not ask the person their age and allows them to purchase alcohol they will be committing an offence, even if their excuse is that they thought they were 18. Licence holders will not be duped into committing an offence because if they, as they should do, ask the age of the test purchaser then the youngsters will answer truthfully.

Public houses, off-sales, and nightclub proprietors are reminded they could face losing their licence if they are found to be selling alcohol to anyone under 18.

The Police-led initiative is being supported by The Highland Council, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Licence Trade Association and Crimestoppers.

Inspector Tom Ogilvy, Liaison Officer, said:

“Test Purchasing is a valuable tool in the fight against alcohol fuelled disorder and anti-social behaviour. Our communities are asking us to do something about this type of behaviour and test purchasing is just one of the ways we can respond to those requests. It has been used successfully in a number of areas across the Force in previous months.”

He added:

“Test purchasing will allow us to identify and bring to justice those who are perpetuating the problem of anti-social behaviour within our communities for the sake of profit. The law is quite clear. It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under 18. It is not just the licence holder who is responsible but also all the staff working in any licensed premises. The message is Can’t Tell, Don’t Sell, It’s Your Responsibility. It’s an offence for anyone under 18 to attempt to buy it. Don’t be offended if you are asked for ID. Crimestoppers Highland is urging the public to help Police trace those traders who are breaking the law.”

Jim Ferguson, Crimestoppers Highland chairman, said:

“Crimestoppers fully support Northern Constabulary’s initiative in robustly tackling the problem of alcohol sales to underage youths. We are keen for members of the public to use the Crimestoppers anonymous number 0800 555 111 to pass information to our call centre with any information they may have of any off-licences violating the conditions of their alcohol licence.

“Underage drinking has serious consequences, sometimes causing long term health problems and more often than not leading to anti social behaviour. Crimestoppers commend Northern Police for taking such a firm stance for the benefit of all concerned.”

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee said:

“We fully support the Police Test Purchasing Programme in shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol. This as an integral part of our joint initiative to address the problem of under age drinking in Highland communities.

“It is essential that we reduce the ability of young people who are underage from being able to access alcohol. While we recognise that most of our shops do adhere to the licensing laws appropriately and responsibly it is vital that the Police are able to target and deal with those that do not. Parents and other adults who may be asked to supply or purchase alcohol on behalf of those underage are potentially placing young people at risk and anyone who witnesses this should report the matter to the Police.”

She added:
“It is only by working together as a whole community that we will address the problems caused by underage drinking.”

Anyone who has information relating to the sale of alcohol to minors is urged to contact Police on 01463 715555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Northern Constabulary – Inverness – Eden Court Theatre

editor — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:01:52 +0000

Force Exhibition welcomed to Eden Court Theatre

Northern Constabulary are delighted to be bringing a mixture of art and modern policing to the Highlands and Islands over the month of February.

An exhibition of photographs by artist, Jane Brettle, was welcomed at Eden Court Theatre today (Monday 02 February) showing police officers from all of the eight forces in Scotland in their varied and contemporary roles.

The photographs, which were commissioned by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, look at a range of different roles from the Mounted Section of Lothian and Borders Police to the Police Mountain Rescue Team in Grampian Police and featured in the 26 portraits are two officers from Northern Constabulary.

Welcoming the exhibition to the Highlands and Islands was Colin Marr, Director of Eden Court, who commented: “We are pleased to welcome this exhibition to Eden Court. It offers an interesting and unique insight into the work of the police, and I am sure that people will be surprised at the wide range of photographs on display “.

Jane Brettle, author of the photographs, welcomed the display in Eden Court Theatre: “My aim for the project was to portray the police officers and support staff in relation to their various roles and activities while asking them to engage with the camera and the viewer in the traditional sense of the painted portrait. Through discovering what was unique to each force I was interested in making portraits of the individuals and groups in their working and family environment ” the people behind the uniform – not a documentary account of policing.”

Chief Constable Ian Latimer stated: “The roles that police officers undertake across Scotland over recent years have become more diverse and Police Forces are constantly looking at ways not only to combat crime but to prevent it.

“One such way that we embrace this is by our community based policing style which sees officers living and working within their own local areas and engaging with the residents within.

“We are delighted that members of the public will be able to come and view the portraits and if they want to, come along to the weekly talks that we will be facilitating over February at Eden Court.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, different police officers from Northern Constabulary will be conducting a series of informal talks every Tuesday in February from 6-7pm (commencing from 03 February). Starting with wildlife crime on 03 February, PC Scott Haig talking about his experiences in the most northerly police station in the UK isles in Unst on 10 February, Firearms Officers explaining the defensive technologies available to Northern Constabulary Officers on 17 February and lastly looking at the technology and expertise used at road traffic collisions on 24 February.

Northern Constabulary are encouraging members of the public to come along and see the exhibition which will be open to all on the first and second floors of the theatre until 27 February.

Editors Note:
We would encourage anyone with information about drug or crimeÂ related activity to contact:
Northern Constabulary on 01463 715555
or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Your call could make that crucial difference”

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Northern Constabulary’s Advice is Not to Drink Any Alcohol Before Driving

editor — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:52:55 +0000

NORTHERN Constabulary echoes ACPOS’ concerns about the number of young drink drivers. NINE of the sixteen drink drivers caught over the past week are under 25. Three of these were involved in road traffic collisions.

During week three of the national Drink/Drug Driving campaign, the Force reported 16 people (14 men and 2 women) for drink driving, compared to 17 drink drivers during the same period last year.

Head of the Force’s Road Policing Section, Inspector John Smith, said:

"It is concerning that too many young people, who have been celebrating during the festive season, are getting behind the wheel and putting themselves and other road users as well as the public at risk. I would advise people not to try and decide if they are under the limit. It is much safer not to drink any alcohol before driving."

He repeated a warning to all drivers:

"High profile early morning checks will continue across the region. Sometimes, due to the nature of the offence, drink drivers will be held in Police custody until the next available court date. This is certainly no way to bring in the new Year. This underlines how seriously the Force treats offences such as drink and drug driving. We will continue to enforce the law in this regard throughout the year. I would reiterate our message, don’t risk it."

A 43 year-old disqualified male driver was arrested in the Western Isles on 23 December with a count of 132ug, 3 times over the limit.

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Crimestoppers Highlands & Islands Campaign

editor — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:35:02 +0000

Starting in the Wick area on Tuesday this week, Crimestoppers leaflets will be dropping through letterboxes across the region.

The leaflets are designed to encourage residents, who don’t wish to ring the Police directly, to contact Crimestoppers to report crime related concerns or criminal activity, anonymously.

Crimestoppers are a highly successful UK charitable organisation, supporting Police initiatives across the Scotland, England and Wales.

Since Crimestoppers started taking your anonymous calls in 1988, they have received; more than one million calls with useful information which have led to:

87,385 people being arrested and charged with offences including murder, rape, drug dealing, burglary, robbery and theft

Over 600 people alone with murder

Â£103million of stolen property being recovered

Drugs with a street value of over Â£159million being seized

Clearly, your call does make a difference!

Since the Most Wanted website was launched in November 2005:

Over 1,600 appeals have been featured

400 suspects have been arrested and charged (one Most Wanted arrest every other day)

25% of these arrests resulted from the information given by members of the public

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Jim Ferguson Chair of Highlands and Islands Crimestoppers said:

“Our towns and villages across Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross remain safe places to live and work. Let’s keep them that way.
It would be preferable, if everyone within the community was willing to stand up and be counted but, if for any reason, you do not want to give your name we will understand. You can still give the information anonymously.
We must work together if we want our towns and villages to remain one of the safest places to live and work in Scotland.

Notwithstanding this however, we cannot ignore that in certain areas a small number of individuals are intent on committing crimes of an anti-social nature, vandalism, disturbance, domestic violence & drug dealing and continue to conduct themselves in an anti-social manner, which can often occur when alcohol and drugs are involved.

Recently, cases of rented Highlandsï¿½s property were reported in regional newspapers as being used for Cannabis Factories. This examples the creeping menace of organised crime.

The message is clear, we must all work together to disrupt and deter those intent on such behaviour.”

Crimestoppers only want to know what you know about crime, not who you are.

The type of information needed is:

Names, ages, addresses
What they are doing and when
What cars or vehicles being used
Where proceeds of crime are being stored
Any information which would help catch the criminals

Maybe you’ve seen or heard something about a crime but don’t know what to do or would you say something if no one knew it was you?
Are you scared to come forward and be a witness?
Are you worried about what might happen to you if you talk to the police?
If you feel like this, it’s easy to think there’s nothing you can do!

Crimestoppers is available for you to make your community a safer place to live.

Anonymity makes the difference and the promise of anonymity has never been broken.

Talking to an advisor helps provide the full picture and makes sure the best use can be made of your information.

Remember, Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously

Please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

HELP US TO HELP YOU
Jim Ferguson – Chairman – Highlands & Islands Crimestoppers

REMEMBER IF YOU SEE A CRIME BEING COMMITTED
PLEASE TELEPHONE 999 IMMEDIATELY AND ASK FOR POLICE

PREVENT A CRIME OR HELP US CATCH A CRIMINAL

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