Inspector calls for community’s help in beating violent crime

Mar 17 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

RESIDENTS have to do the moral thing and report violent criminals in their community.

That’s the message from a local community inspector last week as Strathclyde Police took part in a day-long operation to promote public reassurance.

As part of ‘Operation Fleet’ this month, cops deployed special metal detectors – known as ferrogard poles – at key locations in Hamilton and Blantyre to deter knife criminals.

The move came as hundreds more residents added their name to the Advertiser’s “Hammer the Knife Thugs” petition, which calls for tougher sentencing for carrying knives.

Inspector Andy Munro, area commander for Larkhall and Blantyre, described the use of ferrogard poles as “an additional tool” used to combat crime and to build the community’s confidence in local police.

“The ferrogard pole detectors are a piece of equipment the force can use to offer public reassurance and target people who we know or suspect may be carrying weapons,” said Inspector Munro.

“It is not the only piece of equipment we have, and they are deployed to supplement other police operations.

“As well as this additional tool, we still conduct routine stop-and-searches.

“It gives us the ability to reassure members of the community in target areas that have been identified as having incidents of disorder and violent crime.

“When residents identify obvious targets to our local community policing teams, then the force will make all the facilities available.”

The special metal detectors were deployed at Hamilton Sheriff Court and at the Clydeview Shopping Centre in Blantyre.

Residents in Blantyre reacted positively to their use.

Mary Anderson (65) told the Advertiser that she felt “reassured” by the extra presence in the precinct.

“I think having them here, even though there aren’t enough sometimes, does have an effect on how safe you feel.

“The way things are going, it can’t really continue. There is too much violence here.”

Another resident, however, thought that metal detectors on display did little to deter real criminals.

Fifty-nine-year-old Linda Craigie said: “I don’t think it would make a difference to someone like that. If they want to carry a knife, they will carry a knife.

“But at the same time, I suppose that anything that can potentially raise awareness about the issue is a good thing.”

Inspector Munro said: “Violent crime, not just knife crime, is always a priority concern for any police force, and it is always our intention to make the streets safer.

“I think recent crime figures actually reflect the positive impact we have on the local community.

“But we will do anything in our power to target and combat serious and violent crime in South Lanarkshire.”

He continued: “We also need the public to help. They must work with officers to identify those who are persistently carrying offensive weapons.

“The local residents must have a major role in helping us target that small group of people that can cause harm to the community.

“Shop owners also have a vital part to play in our operations. I would ask them not to sell knives or similar items to people who they have concerns about.

“There is a strong moral aspect in all of this. If something is wrong, then it is important that it is reported to police.”