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Police efforts to connect with Forres area youth praised in Community Safety Report


By Ali Morrison

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PC Tom Millican spoke to Kinloss pupils and staff about road safety following an accident at the gates in May.
PC Tom Millican spoke to Kinloss pupils and staff about road safety following an accident at the gates in May.

FORRES’ police inspector praised the town’s community officers in the latest safety partnership report for the area.

Inspector Tony McCullie commended PCs Michelle MacDonald and Steph Bayliss for building relationships with, and gaining feedback from the community in the update which also details initiatives to connect with young people over the summer.

He said: “Michelle has been busy with a walking bus initiative which will hopefully continue after the holidays. My officers continue to be visible across the area with regular patrols of places where youths gather and have the potential to cause alarm or annoyance. There appears to be a reduction in youth-related annoyance but we will continue to work with our partners to help make improvements to these areas.”

He added: “Over the summer, the officers are supporting the Re:Connect programme of activities aimed at engaging with young people. These events across the area are varied in nature.”

Before the end of term, schools liaison officer, PC Tom Millican, visited Kinloss Primary School to speak about road safety.

Insp McCullie said: “The talk was gratefully received by pupils and staff.”

The inspector was part of an engagement initiative at Roseisle, supporting Forestry and Land Scotland, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

He said: “We provided the attendees with a better understanding of how to camp safely, minimize the risk of fire and make our beautiful area safe for people to enjoy.”

The community safety report also listed local crimes over the last month.

A report was received of gorse set alight near to the river at the Broom of Moy. It was extinguished by SFRS and a positive line of enquiry is being followed up. Constable MacDonald has been working to address ongoing issues in that area.

Four assaults were reported, three of which have resulted in people being reported to the procurator fiscal.

Enquiries are ongoing into six cases of vandalism.

A report was received of a break-in to the main stand at Mosset Park. Alcohol was taken and positive lines of enquiry are being followed up.

A number of motorists were charged with speeding offences, including a learner driver.

Chief Inspector for Moray, Norman Stevenson, also spoke in the report about presenting long service awards to Police Scotland youth volunteers for their service to communities

He said: “Aged 13 to 18 years, they do a fabulous job volunteering at school fetes, community clean ups and supporting organisations like Moray Food Plus. They even helped Rachel Routledge enter the World Record books tyre flipping at Moray Sports Centre. Well done to them all and I’m especially grateful to the adult volunteers who help make it happen. If you think they can support your own community, let me know.”

Ch Insp Stevenson also urged the community to keep a watchful eye on “places of learning during the holidays”.

He said: “These buildings are exposed to antisocial behaviour and vandalism but by working together we can keep that to a minimum. The Re:Connect team have done a tremendous job in putting together opportunities for young people to be active during the day, evenings and weekends.”

Forres police station public counter is open Monday to Thursday from 9.15am-5.15pm and on Fridays from 9.15am-2.45pm.

To contact police and remain anonymous call crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.



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