Policing scheme pays off

Oct 13 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A POLICE campaign to target vandalism and anti-social behaviour in a West Lothian town has been hailed a success.

In September 2010, Lothian and Borders Police launched its Community Commitment pledge, which aims to improve links between police, local residents and businesses.

The campaign’s key priority is to encourage the public to identify the issues which most greatly impact on their community and bring them to the attention of local police.

A total of 38 crimes, including damage to homes and deliberate fires were reported to officers in West Calder in October 2010.

Many of the victims were residents within the sheltered housing complex on Dickson Court and police set out to end troubles in the area.

Officers engaged with local residents and businesses and held “conversations with a purpose” - aimed at gathering intelligence on those responsible for the disorder in West Calder.

As a result, a 21-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with alleged vandalisms, wilful fire-raising and theft.

Since this issue was raised within West Calder, vandalism reports have fallen by 16 per cent, while solvency rates rose by over four per cent.

The total number of complaints in the area also fell by over 16 per cent.

Betty McCauley, a member of staff at Dickson Court and a West Calder resident, said she feels reassured by the campaign’s success.

She said: “My experience with the vandalisms and fires was on a personal and professional level. It was a frightening time in the village when it was all happening.

“I felt much better when the police became involved because I saw a big increase in the police presence. I saw them out on their bikes and felt reassured by this.

“When I heard that the police had managed to solve the crimes, I felt a whole lot better.

“Since this has happened, I have seen a lot more police around.

“In general, I feel confident that the police are around and regularly engage with the locals here.

“I like the personal touch and the fact I know my community policing team. I feel confident in speaking to them.”

Chief Superintendent Jeanette McDiarmid, divisional commander for West Lothian, said she is pleased that the campaign is proving to be a success.

She said: “We are delighted that following our Community Commitment launch, the public have taken a look at the issues, which have a detrimental affect on their communities and have engaged with us to find an appropriate solution.

“Local residents in West Calder, particularly those within the sheltered housing complex, were sick and tired of suffering at the hands of a minority of individuals and worked closely with local officers to put an end to the problem.

“We will continue to engage with our communities and partner agencies to identify further areas of concern to the public and will make all the necessary efforts to address any issues that arise.”

Anyone wishing to find their local policing team should visit the Lothian and Borders Police website at www.lbp.police.uk