Forres Police list local crimes committed during February in Community Safety Report

A car being stolen and later set alight was one crime listed in the latest local Community Safety Report from Police Scotland.

Inspector for Forres, Andrew Meikleham, also revealed four instances of antisocial behaviour, violence and disorder, two more acquisitive crimes and two cases of road issues were committed in the area during February.

He added: “We attended a suspected unexploded device near Kinloss.

“After examination it was found to be spent and of no danger to the public.”

There were two reports received of youths kicking doors and kicking footballs into gardens.

Enquiries are ongoing in to a report of a man who threatened members of the public when they intervened after seeing him kicking a dog.

One historical report of a domestic nature was received. Police reasure the public that no matter how old this type of incident is, it will be fully investigated.

One person received a formal warning for possession of cannabis.

Fuel was stolen from a petrol station in Forres when the driver left without paying.

Suspects have been identified for the theft of alcohol from a Forres shop - CCTV footage was available and there was a positive identification from staff.

Enquiries are ongoing in to the theft of a vehicle owned by Moray Car Share in Kinloss where a keysafe was broken open. The car was later found alight in a field outside Forres.

Police Scotland representatives had a meeting with Lossiemouth Community Council, Moray Council Youth Workers and Elgin Youth Café to discuss ongoing issues with youths congregating in the seaside town. Parents are being urged to talk to their teenagers about personal safety and the effect their behaviour can have on others. There has been a rise in young people from all over Moray travelling to Lossie at weekends to gather at the High School, with reports of antisocial behaviour including underage drinking, loud music and verbal abuse.

Community Officer PC Yvonne Squair said: “I’ve spoken to residents in tears because they dread weekends and the impact this behaviour has on their quality of life.

“Others are scared to walk their dogs in the evenings for fear of being confronted.

“Young people are placing themselves at risk by becoming stranded when they miss their bus.

“Extra patrols have been put in place and work is ongoing in schools to raise awareness. ”

Call 101 or use the online tool at https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/c3/ to report antisocial behaviour.

Finally, there have been several reports across Moray of young people using the Wizz app to meet new friends being encouraged to move the chat to Snapchat or Whatsapp. They are then asked to send explicit pictures which are used to extort money from them.

If in doubt, contact police.