South Ayrshire police launch festive crime crackdown

Dec 4 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

South Ayrshire police launch festive crime crackdown

VILLAINS beware – there will be no hiding place for you this Christmas.

For police have launched their crime-busting festive crackdown across Ayrshire.

The five-week initiative will see cops hit the streets in a bid to keep shoppers and revellers safe in towns.

Superintendent John Hazlett is in charge of policing across South Ayrshire.

He insists that street crime and shoplifting will be top of the list of priorities.

And police will work with South Ayrshire’s Community Safety Partnership to ensure that the streets are kept trouble free.

Supt Hazlett explained: “In recent years we have been extremely successful in dealing with those involved in antisocial behaviour and I fully expect that to continue.

“The public will see significant additional numbers of police officers on the streets over the course of the next five weeks.

“Our Christmas and New Year initiative should ensure South Ayrshire remains a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors to enjoy their Christmas activities.”

Extra officers will join the high profile patrols in town centres across the county. And mounted police will also be drafted in to drive crooks out of town.

Inspector Bob Smith is responsible for ensuring that the festive campaign works in Troon, Prestwick and the surrounding villages.

He insists that the public can also do their bit to ensure their own safety.

He said: “We are asking the public to take extra care of their property when out shopping and to ensure that any gifts purchased are locked and out of sight within their vehicles.

“People should also take care with their bags and wallets to ensure bank/credit cards and money are safely concealed from view.

“Shoppers should also ensure that persons are not watching them entering PIN numbers into cash machines at supermarkets and high streets. This will ensure their bank cards cannot be compromised by criminal groups.”

And he warned that antisocial behaviour won’t be tolerated, insisting that on-the-spot fines will be issued to anyone caught littering, drinking or urinating in public.

Drink drivers will also be targeted along with domestic abuse thugs.

Inspector Smith added: “Domestic abuse is a clear priority for us and every allegation of this nature will be fully investigated.

“Persons engaging in acts of violence risk being kept in custody for Christmas or New Year.”