Community neighbourhoods team making a difference in Lochgelly
9 August-
Lochgelly's community safety team have been working in the town for the last month
The Safer Neighbourhoods police team has been deployed in Lochgelly for the last four weeks and since their arrival they have received a warm welcome from the community.
Leading the team is Sergeant Callum Winton who described his recent deployment in Lochgelly: "During this time, the team have been targeting Anti Social Behaviour in its many forms. Through discussions with the Lochgelly residents, it is clear one of the main concerns is the consumption of alcohol within the public park in Melville Street.
"In an effort to alleviate this problem the Safer Neighbourhoods Team are working together with partner agencies, in an attempt to educate the youths in relation to the risks of consuming alcohol on their health and the dangers they place themselves in being under the influence of alcohol.
"To prevent the sale of alcohol to under age youths, all off licences have been contacted, highlighting not only the problem of those under 18 years attempting to purchase alcohol but the proxy buying of alcohol by adults for young persons. Pro-active measures are now being taken to further deter youths purchasing alcohol.
"The reported number of vandalisms has been reduced since the Safer Neighbourhoods Team deployment commenced. An example of those detected includes two men traced for damage caused at Lochgelly Golf course. A report will be submitted in due course to the Procurator Fiscal.
"The Lochgelly Centre is currently being renovated and this work is expected to continue over the next 12 to 18 months. Through carrying out scans of the area with a representative from Fife Fire and Rescue Service, it was identified that the centre was an area potentially vulnerable to damage. To help discourage this, 24-hour CCTV has been installed and police will patrol the area frequently.
Any information relating to issues and concerns can be passed to Fife Police by calling 0845 600 5702 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where all calls are treated anonymously.
Follow us on: