Wick police reveal that ‘alcohol related violence and domestic violence’ are still major issues in the town

A police report for February was presented at a meeting of Wick’s community council on Monday, showing alcohol related violence and domestic violence were the main local issues being tackled by officers.

The Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) was presented with a four-page report of crimes in the area that detailed a few specific incidents along with measures adopted by officers to deal with these issues.

The report states that “alcohol related violence and domestic violence are the main issues for this area in February” and that Police Scotland is committed to effectively dealing with perpetrators of domestic violence who will “always be dealt with robustly and reported to the courts where there is sufficient evidence”.

It further states: “Some notable incidents this month include a female who was charged with possession of an offensive weapon on Bankhead Road, Wick on 25/02/25. She was subsequently arrested and kept in custody to appear at court the next lawful day.”

In a bid to reduce violence, local officers will continue to complete proactive patrols and routine licensed premises checks.

RBWCC members noted an increase in vandalism that had been reported to them recently, but felt that the police report did not fully address the extent of it.

The report states that there were only “isolated incidents with nothing to suggest a wider impact on the local community or an ongoing issue”, but some of the community council members felt this was far from the real picture and mentioned incidents involving gangs of youths in the town centre.

However, the police report did state: “There have also been reports of youths entering a derelict/abandoned building on Grant Street, Wick. Local officers are aware of previous issues at this location and are carrying out extra patrols and have liaised with colleagues at the Highland Council who have made arrangements to secure the property and hopefully prevent further issues.”

Matters related to road safety continued to be a priority for officers. A road policing unit and the Safety Camera Partnership continue to deploy and conduct proactive patrols. “As a result, speeding offences have been recorded on the A9 at Berriedale and the A9 at Mybster.

“Two males were also arrested for driving under the influence of drugs in Berridale and Wick. Officers also dealt with a number of other moving road traffic offences in the area, including vehicles with no MOT, mobile phone offences and careless driving.”

“Acquisitive crime” was an aspect of the report related to offenders making material gain by illegal means, typically involving theft, robbery, burglary, and related offenses.

“There have been very few incidents in this section during February. There have been some frauds reported, a number of which are online scams. Police Scotland would urge the public to be wary of exchanging money online and to report any suspicious activity.”

Wick police have dealt with numerous “concern for person” and mental health-related incidents throughout February, and “protecting vulnerable people remains a priority” for local officers.

“Calls regarding concern for person and mental health-related incidents are attended frequently. These calls can impact local resources. However, there is a review ongoing at executive level to ensure Police Scotland is providing the most appropriate response to these types of incidents.”

Local policing initiatives around “serious and organised crime” show that officers are involved with strategies to reduce offending through prevention, early intervention and diversion. The police direct those who are substance dependent towards “recovery through prevention, treatment and support services” and work with Highland Council and the NHS through a multi-agency partnership called the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership Strategy to help tackle the issue.

“Local officers will continue to act on intelligence provided by the public regarding drug misuse and will use all powers at their disposal, including stop and search, to bring perpetrators to justice and reduce the harm to the community.

“As a result of good proactive work by local officers, a male was charged with being concerned in the supply of drugs after his vehicle was stopped in Wick on 22/02/25. He was found with a quantity of drugs and a large amount of cash, which has also been seized. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A small number of individuals have also been charged with possession of drugs in the Wick area during February.

The final issue in the report for February concerned “counter terrorism” and strategies to reduce the threat posed by terrorism and domestic extremism.

“ACT Early is a program delivered to schools across the Highland area. The ACT Early session is a vehicle for debate around the sensitive issue of violent extremism within communities.

“As such, it is an enabler for community participants to air grievances, debate matters of interest to them and work through a group problem-solving experience.”