Large areas of ice can look deceptively thick and stable, however there is no way in which it’s strength can be gauged. If the ice cracks, even shallow areas of water are extremely dangerous.

Under no circumstances should anyone play on or walk over frozen ponds or rivers and parents are asked to ensure their children understand the dangers and play in safe areas, where they will not be tempted onto the ice.

In the event of anyone having difficulties, they should contact the emergency services on 999 immediately to effect a rescue.

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.

ON Thursday 5 June 2008 Police in Inverness received a number of reports from residents in the Allanfearn, Milton of Leys and Leachkin areas of the City reporting suspicious persons.

These reports concerned people who were claiming to be from a national company and enquiring as to whether they could read the gas/electric meter at the particular houses they approached.

Checks with the companies these people claimed they were representing revealed that they were not connected and to all intents and purposes appear to be bogus callers.

Inverness Police are trying to trace two men using a vehicle in connection with the above incidents. The vehicle is believed to be a Nissan Micra, blue in colour.

Police are warning people in these areas and potentially other areas of the city to be vigilant and if anyone comes to their door in a similar scenario please do not hestitate to ask for identification and or call the Police if circumstances dictate.

The contact number for Inverness Police is 01463 715555 or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.