Fireworks seized and drop in reports of antisocial behaviour as Community Action Team target key local priorities

Published: 14th November 2022

Fireworks were seized by the Scottish Borders Community Action Team (CAT) in Galashiels in the lead up to 5 November as part the team’s ongoing activities to tackle key local issues

In the past month the CAT, a policing resource of two teams of seven officers funded by us, has also targeted illegal and inconsiderate parking in various Border towns and recovered drugs and cash in Kelso as part of search warrants executed in relation to the misuse of drugs.

CAT Activity

Antisocial behaviour involving young people in Peebles was a key focus of the team’s activity in October, and active engagement with young people and with the Peebles community has helped bring about a significant drop in the number of reports of incidents in recent weeks.

The team will continue their activity in the Tweeddale area throughout November, as well as targeting action in Galashiels, where there has been an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour.

Mobile patrols and static road checks carried out by the team has also led to various offences being detected, and following concerns about speeding this will continue to be a focus of action throughout the coming month, particularly at collision blackspots and near schools.

A monthly meeting is held between a group of cross party Councillors, officers and Police Scotland’s CAT sergeants to provide feedback on recent Community Action Team activities and agree priority tasks for the coming month. Key data and associated analysis as well as community feedback is used as part of the tasking process.

Councillor Aileen Orr, vice chair of the CAT Strategic Oversight Group

“The period between the October and November meetings of the Oversight Group has seen the Community Action Team be very active, and successful, in tackling a variety of key community issues, from fireworks to drugs and illegal parking to antisocial behaviour.

“The continued feedback that both Scottish Borders Councillors and Police Scotland receive helps shape the team’s tasking and ensures that our communities’ real priorities are being addressed in a proactive and effective way.”

Two key items discussed at the November meeting were high-value bicycle thefts in Tweeddale and agricultural vehicle thefts, particularly quad bikes. These will be a focus of the CAT’s work over the coming weeks.

Chief Inspector Vinnie Fisher, Police Scotland’s Local Area Commander

“Thieves continue to target keen mountain bikers and visitors to the Tweed Valley while others are hitting our local farms looking for quad bikes, but there are some very simple and effective steps that people can take to deter and delay would-be thieves, and help us detect the culprits if they do get away with any items.

“This ranges from security lighting to trackers, but even being conscious about the information you share online through social media and other sites can help.

“Of course it is also critical that if you witness any suspicious behaviour or vehicles that this information is reported to Police Scotland as soon as possible.”