Wick police target trouble spots and say 'violence remains steady'
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A local police report, addressed at a Wick community council meeting last night (January 8), said that violence at home is a key issue that officers are having to address in the town.
Allan Farquhar, chairman of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC), read out details from Police Scotland's community engagement form that was forwarded to the organisation.
Tackling organised crime was a key issue on the list but it was highlighted how "violence remains steady" in Wick. "There has been little issue around licensed premises and most incidents seem to have taken place in residential properties and were either domestic or interpersonal violence between acquaintances," Mr Farquhar read from the document.
"Regular patrols of Wick have been carried out and reports of regular antisocial behaviour from the public have directed these patrols to regular areas where this behaviour is worse.
"Drug misuse remains steady and officers are regularly carrying out searches of persons displaying suspicious behaviour."
The police report added that there were 16 arrests made in October and these people were brought into custody at Wick. It was also stated that there has been an increase in drink and drug driving offences, serious road accidents and shoplifting. "We would encourage shop staff to remain vigilant and report thefts as soon as they happen," urged the police.
The report went on to detail how recent bad weather has led to a serious spate of road accidents and the public should take extra care when driving and "to ensure they have their vehicles prepared for winter".
"We would also like to point out the ongoing local recruitment effort with events being planned.
"Historically, anyone joining the police will not be given a guarantee that they will be posted in their local area. This is now changing and we are keen to attract recruits who would otherwise have not considered police as a career."
The Police Scotland report for the area ended by saying that details on events related to local recruitment drives will be forwarded when available.
