Moray policing inspector publishes new-style Forres, Lossiemouth and Speyside crime report

Assaults, drink and drug-driving, as well as possession of illegal drugs and a weapon were listed in the latest bi-monthly crime report for the area.

Moray policing inspector, Neil Morrison, included the Forres-area crimes in the new-style Forres, Lossiemouth and Speyside community council report which he opened by explaining its goals.

He said: “I am delighted to present the first of our new-style community safety reports, which highlight emerging local trends and issues, as well as ongoing campaigns.

“Our focus is aligned with our priorities to reduce crime and disorder, help create safer communities and respond effectively to local concerns.

“This report is not intended to produce detailed statistics but rather an overview of policing activities aligned to priorities.

“Our dedicated community policing teams are key to delivering a community-focussed approach to policing, building close ties and understanding specific needs.”

The police have been working with partners in education to engage with young people, covering topical themes on antisocial behaviour, violence and disorder. Inputs covered included offensive weapons, online safety, cyberbullying, hate crime and substance misuse.

Alongside partners in education, health and youth justice, as well as social work, they are also developing a project to inform young people of the dangers of vaping and illicit substances.

Insp Morrison added: “As the summer holidays approach, we are planning our cadre of dedicated special constables to enhance patrols across Moray of local hotspots of antisocial behaviour. We will use information from communities to identify areas of concern.”

The report confirms that a number of assaults were reported in the wider area over the last two months.

“The majority occurred in Forres,” added Insp Morrison, “the largest town. These incidents mainly involved victims and perpetrators who were known to one another.”

Road policing teams have been working with partners at MOD Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth to share road safety messages.

In May, staff from North East Road Policing, communities policing teams and the dog section were supported by military police in carrying out roadside checks, delivering road safety messages while enforcing traffic legislation.

Insp Morrison said: “Policing activity was designed to create vigilance around local defence sites and surrounding communities. Officers made use of technology including CCTV cameras and automatic number plate recognition.”

A national campaign is taking place throughout the summer via intelligence-led high visibility patrols and road checks. Staff from roads police are carrying out patrols on roads including the use of unmarked vehicles and motorcycles.

Over the course of April and May, there were 15 drink and drug drivers detected across the report area, including seven in Forres. Fourteen drivers were also caught driving without insurance and 11 with no MOT.

Twelve people were also caught speeding, including three in Rafford. One person was also charged with parking on zig-zags in Forres.

Community council members raised concerns about parking in towns within the area during a Joint Community Council meeting in Elgin.

Insp Morrison said: “Where my officers come across incidents of this nature and there is nothing that presents threat, harm and risk to the public, my expectation is that they will deal with it in the appropriate manner.”

Tackling drug misuse is a key priority for community policing teams. During April and May they took a proactive approach via “intelligence-led policing”, targeted patrols and search warrants to disrupt supply.

A new unit has been set up in order to deal with serious and organised crimes. Four constables and a detective sergeant are now dedicated to investigating dealers.

Insp Morrison said: “A particular example would be that, on May 31, a drug search warrant was executed in Forres whereby over £3000 worth of amphetamine and cannabis was recovered, along with an unlawfully held air pistol.

“The occupant has been charged with a report being submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Eight people in total were found in possession of class ‘A’ drugs over the report period in Forres, Lossiemouth, Burghead and Lhanbryde, and a further 17 cases were reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection.

Finally, the report reminded motorists to not to leave valuables in their vehicles and ensure they are locked following thefts from cars in Garmouth.

There were also 21 reported shopliftings in Moray over April and May.

“The majority were from Tesco in Forres,” said Insp Morrison, the largest supermarket in the area. Positive lines of enquiry are being progressed.”