Operation Respect is a partnership of the following organisations :

Highland Council
Crimestoppers
Inverness Crime Prevention Panel (ICPP)
Inverness Business Improvement District (BID)
Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA)
Inverness Taxi Association
NHS Highland
Pubwatch
Street Pastors
Northern Constabulary

These organisations are working together to engender respect for each other and for other’s property all year round, but especially during this festive period.

Operation Respect ‘s mission is to create a safe and clean environment for people, families and business within Inverness City Centre by preventing the occurrence of anti social behaviour with a focus on creating respect for the community.

Our aims are to:

• Reduce the fear of crime by ensuring that people feel safe from crime and disorder.

• Enforce the law in regard to low level offending for such offences as littering, dog fouling, street drinking, begging etc.

• Safer streets which experience reduced alcohol and drug related violent crime.

• Promote positive initiatives and diversionary schemes to reduce crime and the opportunity for crime.

• Evaluate the stated objectives and measures put in place to achieve them.

• Change in attitude and behaviour towards alcohol and drug consumption and that those in need are supported by prevention and treatment services.

• Target Inverness City Centre with a high visibility Police presence at peak times.

The Winter Festival was launched this year with Malice in Wonderland and many other exciting events are planned throughout for your enjoyment.
Please check out Winter Festival agenda on this link http://www.invernessfestivals.com/winter08/all_december_events.php:

With the Christmas holiday season almost upon us, now is a good time to
remind people to take steps to make sure your Christmas isn’t spoiled by criminals. This year we want you to have fun whilst out shopping or on your night out.

So what can we do to make sure we have fun and remain safe?
The Inverness Crime Prevention Panel have applied normal crime prevention advice to Christmas and this is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready

Out on the town

With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Don’t leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times. Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home. Avoid any potential disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can. Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back. Don’t drink too much – you could become a target for thieves.
Take precautions against Drink spiking – Keep your glass with you, never leaving it unattended and keep it covered.

Please do not drink and drive – to do so risks your own life and others and incurs heavy penalties, possibly prison and financially.

Late Night Bus Service
For the second year Operation Respect will be providing a bus service home after midnight enabling you to come into the city for an evening out without taking a car.

These late night buses will be running during the festive season on a Friday and Saturday.
The service will run between 11.30pm until 4am with a £2.00 fare.

Liz Gilchrist -Vice Chair of Inverness Crime Prevention Panel said  “I hope people will avail themselves of this service, it  will get you home safely after having a good night ‘out on the town’”  Click on this link for the time table:Night bus poster

Shopping Tips

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.
When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can’t arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse.
If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you. You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much.
Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don’t carry too much cash. The same applies to traveling on crowded buses or trains.
If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well-lit area.
Lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping.
Take care of your personal belongings.
Keep your chequebook and cheque card separately.
Protect your card Pin Number when making payments and cash withdrawals.
Do check the cash machine has not been tampered with ie an unusual insert at the card entry point or overhead camera strip.

**********************************************
Jim Ferguson, as Chair of Crimestoppers, in co-operation with Inverness Crime Prevention Panel, Police, Highland Council wishes everyone a very happy and safe festive period.

Finally, people should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they have information about any criminal activity. (Crimestoppers is a Registered Charity.)

Have Fun – Be Safe!

Jim Ferguson – Chair Crimestoppers H&I, Supt Ian Arnott and Gordon Robb – Manager of Trading Standards

With Christmas approaching and the effects of the last recession still hitting hard, there is often a greater temptation to buy fake goods, however few understand the consequences and serious implications behind counterfeiting.

In a recent survey conducted by Scotland Crimestoppers thirty per cent of people questioned said they didn’t know that buying fake goods might fund serious organised crime. Ninety one per cent said they wouldn’t buy a fake good if they knew it would fund criminals or criminal activity. Eighteen per cent of those questioned admitted that they had bought fake goods in the past.

Jim Ferguson, Scotland Crimestoppers Highlands and Island Chairman said: “Christmas is a time when many are trying to find ways to reduce costs. I would urge the public not to be tempted to buy often cheaper fake goods. The consequences are far wider than the simple transaction. It can fund serious crimes such as human trafficking and drug crime which can harm our community.

Anyone with information about counterfeiting should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the online anonymous form on www.crimestoppers-uk.org. With the publics help we can make big steps in cracking down on this type of crime across Scotland.”

The campaign is being run with the support of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), Home Office, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), the Bank of England, Film Distributors Association (FDA) and Pentland.

A dedicated mircrosite – www.fakesfundcrime.org.uk has been produced which has information on each strand of the campaign and information about the serious organised crime links, harmful affects, fraudulent activity and videos.

Kate Johnston, Scotland Crimestoppers National Manager added:
“We are also being supported by the SCDEA on this campaign. I hope that it will be as successful as the Cannabis Cultivations campaign earlier this year which was also with the support of SCDEA. The success of this resulted in 141 people calling the charity in a four week period with information about cannabis cultivations which led to numerous arrest and seizures.”

Supt Ian Arnott, Northern Constabulary’s East Divisional Commander based in Inverness said:
“We are grateful for the support of Crimestoppers in highlighting this issue. Just because the Highlands and Islands have a low rate of crime it does not mean we can be complacent to the possibility of counterfeit goods coming into this area.

The people who sell fake goods are often linked to other types of crime such as the supply of illegal drugs which blight our communities. I would urge anyone with information about people selling fake goods to pass this on to Crimestoppers so we can take action.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ronnie Megaughin, head of Interventions, SCDEA said:
“The significant profits that are generated by counterfeiting benefit no-one other than the criminals behind it. Those who are involved in producing and selling fake goods are very often also responsible for pushing drugs in our communities, forcing people into the sex trade and cultivating cannabis in our neighbourhoods, not to mention the fear intimidation and violence associated with this criminality.

The public have a vital role to play in assisting the authorities in clamping down on these rogue traders. They can refuse to buy these illegal and often unsafe products, and they can anonymously share what they know about the people involved in this crime by contacting Crimestoppers. Even the smallest piece of information can be
the key to unlocking a much larger criminal network.”

Liz Gilchrist Vice Chair of Inverness Crime Prevention Panel added “We as a panel, are very happy to support this initiative.  It is good to see all of the prime agencies working together in an effort to stamp out this growing problem”

Dougie McClounie of SCDEA displaying  an example of some Counterfeit Goods

Fakes fund crime

Counterfeiters make many different types of fakes. One thing these producers have in common is that they are all criminals.

Organised gangs are increasingly pursuing several different criminal activities at the same time and using the proceeds from each form of crime to invest in the others.

Producing fakes is a crime in itself, but counterfeiting is also sometimes linked to other types of crime including:

• Human trafficking
• Gun and weapon possession
• Drugs
• Money laundering
• Benefit fraud

It was estimated in 2007 that around 70% of the £1.3  billion made from intellectual property crime flowed back to organised crime.

If you buy fakes, the money you spend on them is likely to benefit criminal gangs and could damage the neighbourhood you live in.

More about the crimes linked to fake DVDs, fashion and tobacco.

Help fight fakes

You can help fight fakes by calling charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Tell us who is dealing in fakes. We won’t take your name or ask who you are. We only want to know what you know, not who you are. You can also pass on information anonymously online using our secure online form.

Fake goods harm you

Counterfeiters don’t limit themselves to fake designer handbags and clothing. Electrical products, power tools, food, toys and sports equipment are also faked with potentially dangerous consequences for you as a consumer.

Fake goods are both imported and made here in the UK. Domestic production often takes place in rented office buildings that have been converted into makeshift ‘factories’. The conditions in these factories are often unsafe and unhygienic – this makes the production of fakes dangerous for not only workers but also the end user.

Fake alcohol

Fake alcohol can contain methanol, a chemical that can cause blindness, coma and death. Counterfeit bottles of alcohol often imitate well known brands in an attempt to reassure people that the product is safe.

In May 2009 2,700 bottles of counterfeit vodka were seized from a business park in Haringey, London. There was evidence that large quantities of antifreeze had been used in its manufacture.

Fake beauty products

Fake beauty products often contain sub-standard ingredients that could give you a rash or an allergic reaction. Some bottles of fake perfume have even been found to use ingredients like urine as a stabiliser.

Look out for products sold in packaging featuring spelling or grammatical mistakes. Always buy your beauty products from a trusted source to help keep you safe from fakes.

Fake electronics

Electrical goods sold in the UK are subject to stringent safety testing. Counterfeit electrical goods often sidestep these testing requirements. This means fake electrical goods, including hair straighteners, mobile phones and camera chargers, may contain unsafe wiring that can lead to over-heating, creating risks of fire, electrocution and personal injury. Fake electrical goods may even be labelled with fake certification marks, so you think that they are safe.

Fake toys

Children’s toys are subject to strict safety testing. Counterfeit toys often will not have been tested. As a result fakes could contain small parts that are a choking hazard.

Buying fake goods online puts you at risk of fraud and identity theft.

Crimestoppers Counterfitting

Fake goods – you’re at risk

Fashion merchandise, DVDs and electrical goods are just some of the types of fakes often purchased online. The people who buy these goods are often unsuspecting and think they are getting a genuine product.

Identity theft and credit card fraud

Entering your debit or credit card details into a website that deals in fakes means that you are essentially giving your card details, your address and your name to criminals.

To ensure your card details remain safe, make sure that you only buy goods online from authorised retailers. Getting a pair of shoes for half price may seem like a quick bargain but now that you know that you’re putting your bank card at risk you’ve got to ask – “Is it really worth it?”

Know your rights

If you buy online from businesses registered in the UK you are legally entitled to return any goods bought within seven days (even if you just change your mind). You are also entitled to return the goods if they are faulty.

If you buy an item and realise it’s a fake, getting a refund can be difficult. Often fakes are sold through websites based outside UK; these websites aren’t subject to the same laws as sites based here.

Shopping online

If you are going to shop online:

• 
  Buying from companies registered in the UK can help keep you safe as you’ll have more legal rights.
• Try and buy from a brand’s official website or from an authorised seller of the product.
• ‘https’ on the web site address means the site is secure – the ‘s’ in https  stands for secure. The padlock on the payment screen is also a mark of security.
• Just because a URL ends in .co.uk doesn’t mean the business is registered in the UK.
• Search web addresses using Who Is – a database of who owns what domain names and where they are based or go to the UK’s register of domain names at www.nominet.org.uk.  You can also click on ‘Howard’ the Online Shopping Assistant at www.ukecc.net.
• Always take a copy of the web pages and keep any correspondence as evidence, either electronically or on paper.
• Using a credit card for payments over £100 will also provide extra security.

Fake goods – you’re at risk

Fashion merchandise, DVDs and electrical goods are just some of the types of fakes often purchased online. The people who buy these goods are often unsuspecting and think they are getting a genuine product.

Identity theft and credit card fraud

Entering your debit or credit card details into a website that deals in fakes means that you are essentially giving your card details, your address and your name to criminals.

To ensure your card details remain safe, make sure that you only buy goods online from authorised retailers. Getting a pair of shoes for half price may seem like a quick bargain but now that you know that you’re putting your bank card at risk you’ve got to ask – “Is it really worth it?”

Know your rights

If you buy online from businesses registered in the UK you are legally entitled to return any goods bought within seven days (even if you just change your mind). You are also entitled to return the goods if they are faulty.

If you buy an item and realise it’s a fake, getting a refund can be difficult. Often fakes are sold through websites based outside UK; these websites aren’t subject to the same laws as sites based here.

Shopping online

If you are going to shop online:

• Buying from companies registered in the UK can help keep you safe as you’ll have more legal rights.
• Try and buy from a brand’s official website or from an authorised seller of the product.
• ‘https’ on the web site address means the site is secure – the ‘s’ in https  stands for secure. The padlock on the payment screen is also a mark of security.
• Just because a URL ends in .co.uk doesn’t mean the business is registered in the UK.
• Search web addresses using Who Is – a database of who owns what domain names and where they are based or go to the UK’s register of domain names at www.nominet.org.uk.  You can also click on ‘Howard’ the Online Shopping Assistant at www.ukecc.net.
• Always take a copy of the web pages and keep any correspondence as evidence, either electronically or on paper.
• Using a credit card for payments over £100 will also provide extra security.

Crimestoppers is urging the public of the Highlands and Islands to call them with information which could help Police in their efforts to reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the region.

Northern Constabulary has enjoyed a successful year and has taken hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of drugs off the streets.

Both Crimestoppers and Police say they must not be complacent and have vowed to continue to target those involved in the drugs trade and any other form of serious and organised crime.

Crimestoppers’ National Training and Development Manager, Iain Froggett visited Northern Constabulary HQ last week to speak to Police and partner agencies about the work of the crime fighting charity and underline the independent charity’s commitment to helping Police tackle the drugs menace.

Mr Froggett was invited by Crimestoppers Highland chairman Jim Ferguson, who organised event.

Jim Ferguson Highlands and Islands regional chairman said: “I was delighted to have Ian Froggett attend today’s meeting which clearly shows the high level of support from Crimestoppers nationally for the Highlands and Islands region.

“The region has shown a 6% increase in the number of calls received over last year and a 40% rise in the number of arrests all due to information received from Crimestoppers which is highly encouraging.

“Crimestoppers is effective in the fight against crime and we are all striving hard to tackle the problems that affect our communities. Our board has been very active, regularly attending community council meetings and giving presentations to interested groups.”

He added: “We appreciate the dedication of Northern Constabulary and their support of Crimestoppers in our combined efforts to make our communities safer.

“Crimestoppers offer a completely anonymous way of passing information to law enforcement and clearly the Highlands is increasingly using the service which we provide to good effect.”

Mr Froggett said: “It is great to visit the low crime areas encompassed by the Highlands of Scotland, but to keep it that way, we need people to be vigilant. If they feel they cannot report information about criminal activity to the police for fear of being identified or because they are too close to an offender, then Crimestoppers offers the ideal means.

“We promise total anonymity to all callers whether they use:
Telephone: 0800 555 111 or choose to report online from our website www.crimestoppersscotland-uk.org/

Even the smallest piece of information we receive will be passed to the police and it may be the key to supporting a successful investigation.”

He added: “Offenders are the people who should fear the consequences of crime and by working closely with communities at large, with Crimestoppers volunteers and the police, we can help reduce the availability of controlled drugs and help in the prosecution of those who supply them.”

Deputy Chief Constable Garry Sutherland said: “We are grateful for the continued support we receive from Crimestoppers.

“Some members of the public may feel they cannot contact Police with information, for whatever reason, and in those circumstances Crimestoppers can provide an alternative solution.

“The Crimestoppers service offers people crucial reassurance that the information they are providing is being treated completely anonymously.

“Historically, information provided through Crimestoppers has played a part in the solving of a number of crimes in the Northern Constabulary area and we look forward to further developing that partnership, to ensure the Highlands and Islands remain among the safest places in the UK to live, work and invest.”

Ends

Det. Sgt. Joe McLaughlin of Strathclyde Police has said: “Thanks to a tip off made to Crimestoppers, we have been able to disrupt and dismantle another large scale cannabis cultivation. The discovery of this cultivation proves that by working together we can be successful in tackling this issue and making a major impact on the criminal fraternities setting up these sites.

He added: “It’s encouraging that local people know what to look out for and are proactive in reporting their suspicions. It may be that there are other cultivations in the surrounding area and I would urge people to be aware of the signs and report any suspicious activity.”

Since 2006, police have seized around 80,000 cannabis plants with an approximate street value of £24.7 million.

Despite these significant seizures, the problem of cannabis cultivations is increasing and the harms associated with it continue to present a major risk to Scotland’s communities.

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Scotland and the health impact on users is significant. The methods used to maintain cannabis farms are a fire hazard to the premises they are contained within and surrounding properties. In addition, profit from the supply of cannabis is used to fund other forms of serious organised crime, including human trafficking and counterfeit goods.

Led by Strathclyde Police, Scotland’s eight police forces, with the support of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the UK Borders Agency, have formed a national taskforce to detect and dismantle cannabis cultivations, arrest the criminal networks involved and seize their illegal profits.

Local people have a crucial role to play in helping to beat this criminal activity. If you notice anything suspicious,

contact Crimestoppers anonymously
with information on 0800 555 111.

The signs to look out for are:

• Windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside
• Visits to the premises occur at unusual times of the day or night
• People do not live in the premises and only make shorts visits, daily or weekly, to maintain them
• The cannabis or by-products, such as used fertiliser, will be removed in black bin bags or laundry bags
• Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside, usually in the rear of the premises
• There may be a vent protruding through the roof of a rear window
• There may be a pungent smell emanating from the premises
• There may be noise coming from equipment (e.g. cooling fans) in the premises

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.

We help to promote the charity in communities across the region, to let people know that Crimestoppers is there for them as an anonymous route to pass on information about crime. Crimestoppers guarantees anonymity, which means that no-one can ever find out who passed on information about crime.

To pass on information about crime anonymously,
call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out the secure, encrypted online Giving Information Form.

Scotland Crimestoppers is run by volunteers – each and every one is a vital link with the community in the region. If you think you’d like to volunteer for Scotland Crimestoppers, please fill out our Volunteer Enquiry Form.

Subscribe to the Scotland Crimestoppers RSS feed to keep up-to-date

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.

Reflecting on the impact of serious crime in the Highlands and islands, he said:

“Northern Constabulary is well aware of the extent to which organised crime gangs operate within our area. We are well placed to use a range of investigative methods to target, detect and tackle these individuals and this is reflected by significant seizures of drugs across the entire Force area over recent months. Northern Constabulary operates a visible community style of policing and this, together with high levels of public support, stands us in good stead to continue to be successful in targeting serious organised crime in the Highlands and Islands.”

Ends

A MULTI-AGENCY approach to youth diversion and the promotion of pro-social behaviour has led to reductions in the levels of youth crime across the Highlands and Islands.

Despite a slight rise in the number of referrals to the children’s hearing system for some age groups on offending grounds (between 2006 and 2008) youth crime levels in the Highlands and Islands continue to be among the lowest in Scotland, per head of the population.

Northern Constabulary and its partners believe there is no room for complacency and have vowed to continue with their corporate approach to tackling the issues surrounding youth crime.

Youth diversion and inclusion is a key part of this approach and representatives from some of the agencies involved have spoken out jointly for the first time about the work they are doing to improve the wellbeing of youngsters across the region.

In 2006, as a result of this multi-agency approach, youth crime figures fell by more than 50% and although this will be difficult to sustain in the short term, this approach is designed to provide long term sustainability.

Northern Constabulary and its partners are involved in a number of initiatives aimed at diverting youths away from crime and ensuring their behaviour is pro-social not anti-social.

Only 2% of our children, aged 0-15, actually commit an offence and it should be noted that a small number of children commit a disproportionate number of crimes.

Head of Children’s Services for NHS Highland and Highland Council Bill Alexander said:

"The reduction in youth crime in Highland is an enormous success story  sustained since around 2006.

"We have indeed bucked the national trend, by sustaining massively reduced youth crime over the last few years, when much of Scotland has seen increased youth crime since 2000.

"We should be celebrating the hard work of staff in many agencies across Highland and also the good conduct of most of our young people. However, that does not mean we should be complacent about continuing youth crime – we certainly aren’t."

He added: "We know there were significant changes in numbers of persistent offenders from 2006, which was a direct consequence of the creation of youth action teams and effective joint working.

"While we had 68 persistent young offenders at the end of 2004/05 (this means more than 5 referrals for any individual in a 6 month period ; i.e. evidence of repeat behaviour) this reduced to 45 at the end of 2005/06, and only 7 at the end of 2006/07.

"The number was 9 when the Children’s Reporter stopped producing these figures (due to a change in Government thinking) in 2007/08."

Northern Constabulary and its partners are working with youngsters on a number of initiatives in an attempt to maintain lower levels of youth offending, including Street Football, Twilight Basketball, Street Rugby, Bluelight Discos, Safe Highlanders, Operation Youth Advantage and Choices for Life.

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing visited Inverness recently and praised the work being done on Operation Youth Advantage. OYA gives youngsters on the periphery of crime or those who have an interest in Army life the chance to build team spirit and improve their social skills. (More information can be found on the Force’s website www.northern.police.uk).

Action for Children is also heavily involved in the multi-agency partnership and help the other agencies bring Street Football to a number of areas of the Force thanks to its portable five-a-side football pitch.

PC Rosanna MacSween, who is Northern Constabulary’s Youth Diversion Officer, said: "Northern Constabulary is working with a range of partners across the Highlands and Islands, and with other Forces and national agencies, to delivery a number of youth diversionary activities, in line with two of our strategic priorities of stronger, safer communities and reducing crime.

"This strong partnership working is reflected in initiatives such as Blue Light Discos, Street Sports, Operation Youth Advantage, Choices for Life and Safe Highlanders, together with educational DVDs on alcohol and vandalism.

"New initiatives such as Global Rock Challenge have already been identified and we will be looking to take these forward in due course."

PC MacSween added: "We are realistic in recognising that success will not happen overnight but these measures are aimed at delivering long-term results and with the support of our communities we can achieve them.

"Northern Constabulary is committed to working with and for our young people, the majority of whom make a very positive contribution to our communities."

Scottish rugby is another important partner within the multi-agency set up and Brian Bell, the Scottish Rugby Union’s Regional development manager, said: "Scottish Rugby is investing its "Cashback for Communities," funding to grow participation in rugby in key identified areas throughout all Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

"In order to target areas and socio economic groups not traditionally, or less exposed to rugby, Scottish Rugby will invest in growing and sustaining the network of jointly-funded rugby development officers.

"In the Highlands and Islands there is one such post at Highland RFC, however, a development officer post is currently being advertised for Orkney RFC thanks to funding a support from Orkney Islands Council, European Community Orkney LEADER 2007-2013 programme and Northern Constabulary."

He added: "Through these posts, Scottish Rugby will be able to offer rugby opportunities in more primary and secondary schools, and with the assistance of volunteers take rugby into the heart of deprived areas through the new Street Rugby programme, an easy to learn non contact form of the game which can be played anywhere."

Twilight Basketball was launched in Inverness on Friday 23 January 2009 by the charity Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) supported by the Scottish Government Cashback programme. SSF works in partnership with Northern Constabulary, Highland Council, Crimestoppers, Highland and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, Basketball Scotland and the Merkinch Partnership.

The Twilight Basketball scheme will be launched for the first time in the Hilton area at Inverness Royal Academy on Saturday 16 May 2009, between 6pm and 8pm. This will run in tandem with the scheme already running successfully at Inverness College on a Friday night between 6pm and 8pm. Anyone between the ages of 11 and 21 interested in playing basketball on either day should turn up at the venue closest to them.

Jamie Barr of SSF said:

"Our experience of working in Inverness over the past three months has been a very positive one and we are delighted with the support we have received from a wide range of agencies and organisations that are committed to helping young people across the city.

"Their support has ensured the success of the Twilight programme where young people can have fun but also learn important lifestyle issues at the same time."

Highland Council’s Community Safety unit takes the lead in terms of the Safe Highlanders initiative, which is an excellent example of agencies working together to ensure young people from the Highlands are valued and kept safe.

It is an excellent opportunity for young people to develop their judgement, decision making and risk assessment. It also helps to build their confidence and raise their self esteem.

Isabelle Kaminiarz from the Community Safety unit, said: "Safe Highlanders and Islanders is a Child Safety interactive learning experience aimed at Primary 7 pupils, allowing them to actively participate in a wide range of simulated practical situations which, in real life, would be potentially life threatening.

"It also serves to show them healthy living choices and highlight preventable crimes. Over 1500 P7 pupils attended this "once in a lifetime," event in 2008, and resulted in very positive feedback from schools; this year there will be approximately 2000 pupils attending."

The agencies involved are: Red Cross, Northern Constabulary, British Transport Police, HIFRS, HM Coastguard, Health and Safety Executive and subjects include first aid, road/railway safety, water safety, farm safety, fire safety and construction safety. Messages surrounding these topics, as well as substance misuse prevention, are provided in a fun and interesting way.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST AN INTERVIEW PLEASE CONTACT CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS ON 01463 720396/397/369.

The aim of the multi-agency Operation is to make Merkinch a cleaner, safer, better place for everyone who lives and works there. A number of agencies are involved , including the Merkinch Partnership, the Highland Council, Street Pastors and the Police.

Cllr Peter Corbett, Chair of the Merkinch Partnership says:

“We are looking for a sustainable solution to the needs of the community in Merkinch. This operation aims to support all members of the community, to reassure people in Merkinch that we are listening to their concerns, and to raise awareness of the need to support facilities such as diversionary activities for young people.

“Everyone shares a responsibility for improving the community from a responsible alcohol sales strategy by licensees, to share their concerns with community councils, to supporting youth projects. There are already a number of diversionary activities for young people during the week, but we are aware that there is a need for more of this type of provision at the weekends.“

Anne Sutherland, Merkinch Partnership Project Officer added:

“This new initiative will benefit the whole community. A number of people are already doing a lot to support young people in particular in Merkinch and we will be looking for more volunteers or people with new ideas and suggestions. Young people have been given questionnaires to find out what they want.

“As part of the scheme, Street Pastors will be getting to know the whole community in the coming weeks. They will be present on Friday and Saturday evenings along with local police officers, and are very enthusiastic about working with the community in Merkinch.

“The steering group will continue to meet and get other partners involved, looking at improved youth development and facilities, transport and better use of amenity space and stronger links with licensed trade. “

Ends

Note to Editors:

Media Invite

Editors are invited to send reporters and photographers to the launch of Operation Respect – Merkinch.

Date: Friday 15 May

Time: 5pm to 5:30pm

Venue: The Bikeshed, Grant Street, Merkinch, Inverness

For further information contact: Anne Sutherland on 01463 718989

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

£103million of stolen property being recovered

Drugs with a street value of over £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 Highlands�s 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