Police praised for Eastern Villages community scheme

Apr 29 2011 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

Police praised for community scheme

A WEEKEND policing initiative throughout Stirlingshire’s Eastern villages has been hailed as a resounding success by the local force.

Officers from several departments within Central Scotland Police – including traffic cops, dog handlers, locally-based community teams and cycling specialists – could be seen throughout Fallin, Plean and Cowie.

A high-visibility mobile office was deployed at several locations within the villages, allowing local children to have bicycles and other items fitted with an ultra-violet security tag to prevent theft.

Sargeant Adrian Wright said the awareness-raising event, which lasted throughout Friday and Saturday, resulted in a noticeable drop in crime in the area.

He continued by revealing several motorists were “successfully engaged with”, and may face further consequences for openly flouting the law.

In addition, Sgt Wright stressed the importance of continuing the good relationship that currently exists between local residents and the force.

“We already have a great relationship with the community in the villages, but things like this only enhance our presence and help us get our messages across,” the officer said.

“It’s important for us to let people know that we are approachable, particularly to the area’s younger residents.

“Our community officers do a lot of good work with local schools, and I think you can see that through the relationship the kids have with the police here.

“They approach a given officer, say hello, and call them by their first name because they’ve seen them out and about before and know them.

“That’s what community engagement weekends are all about for us – building trust and confidence.”

Sgt Wright concluded by saying a similar exercise is set to take place in the Bannockburn and Hillpark area towards the end of next month.