Moray SNP News

MSP HOLDS POSITIVE TALKS WITH POLICE CHIEF ON FORRES ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead met with local Police Scotland Chief Inspector Willie Findlay at Elgin Police Station this week [Thursday 12th], to discuss anti-social behaviour, local policing priorities and the challenges currently facing local officers.

Mr Lochhead had been contacted by constituents prior to his meeting with the Chief Inspector about anti-social behaviour in the Pilmuir area of Forres, and promised his constituent’s he would raise these issues on their behalf.  Mr Lochhead welcomed Willie Findlay’s response, acknowledging that there had been a problem near the primary school, but that local officers and the community warden had been working together to tackle these problems, installing CCTV at the school, communicating with parents and increasing patrols in the area.

Richard Lochhead and the Chief Inspector also discussed the local priorities for each of the Council Wards in Moray, which are currently out for consultation to community groups.  Local priorities set out by communities last time round included anti-social behaviour, public protection, road safety and road crime, national security, and serious organised crime and drugs.   

Mr Lochhead is pleased that Moray appears to be benefiting from the Scottish Government’s commitment to additional police officers on the beat, and was informed by the Chief Inspector that there are currently 571 officers working in the Aberdeenshire and Moray division. 

Following the meeting, Moray’s MSP said:

“I had a really positive meeting with the Chief Inspector and its welcoming news that in Moray, crime levels across the board continue to fall, as is the case throughout the country. 

“I was pleased to hear about the positive steps being taken by local police to tackle anti-social behaviour problems in Forres.  It’s important the Council and the Police work together to ensure our communities are safe, and the installation of CCTV cameras at Pilmuir Primary alongside increasing patrols in the area, seems to have had a positive impact in reducing anti-social behaviour there.  The Chief Inspector assured me that local officers would continue to be vigilant in tackling anti-social behaviour in all communities in Moray.

“Clearly anti-social behaviour is very distressing for individuals and communities subjected to it, and I’ll continue to keep a close eye on this issue as we cannot be complacent when it comes to keeping our streets safe.”