On the beat with the Broch bobbies
Going out on police patrol with Inspector John Esson and his officers in Fraserburgh, I wasn't sure what to expect. Our police officers have to be prepared to deal with major incidents or minor disturbances, and no-one can predict what a shift might bring.
However, even on a dreich Saturday night in February, I didn't expect the streets of the Broch to be quite so quiet. Apart from a few folk out with their dogs, and signs of life around some of the pubs, most people seemed to have chosen to stay at home.
Part of the regular beat is to check-out places where under-age drinkers might be loitering. This Saturday there was no-one about. The police have been working with youth organisations locally to ensure there are places for young people to go, and better things to do in the town at weekends, and it seems to be helping.
When we pulled up to talk to a group of youngsters hanging around on a street corner we discovered they were just waiting for a friend who was getting take-away food nearby. They didn't hang about for long after we'd spoken to them.
Our beat also took in Sandhaven, Pitullie and Rosehearty, where we chatted with a few local people making their way home after a quiet drink in the local hotel. So far, so uneventful.
Crime and anti-social behaviour have dropped significantly in the North-east in recent times, and the improvements in Fraserburgh have been dramatic.
Over Christmas and New Year there was a 57% reduction in violence and anti-social behaviour in the Broch compared to previous years, and it's important to understand why, so that the lessons can be learned. Many people tell me they worry about crime and anti-social behaviour. Some have been directly affected, while others feel unsafe because of what they see reported on TV and in newspapers. Most of us get irritated by the nuisance caused by mindless vandalism.
According to the police, there's no single reason for the big improvements recently, but rather a combination of factors, all of which are helping to move things in the right direction.
So what's changed? Well, there are more police on the beat for a start. I saw for myself on Saturday how just the visible presence of the police defuses aggression and prevents incidents developing.
New licensing regulations that have banned drinking in the streets are helping to ensure that drinkers stay inside premises where they are properly supervised. And close co-operation between licensees and the police are helping manage 'closing time' more effectively.
The new CCTV cameras in the town centre are undoubtedly helping deter would-be vandals. Their installation was a community initiative that is already having a positive impact on the Broch. And the police have been working closely with local shops and pubs to prevent crime, and deal with it. The introduction of Community Wardens has made a big difference too.
Things did get a bit more lively after closing time. As people made their way home, the streets were busier, and there was plenty banter, most of it good natured.
However, the thing that struck me most forcefully about my night spent out on the beat was that every single incident police officers had to deal with involved people who had taken too much to drink. One young man who could hardly stand was assisted into the back and driven home for his own safety.
Another had to be searched in order to find his keys and then helped to unlock his own front door. I can't help thinking that our officers have better things to do tackling serious organised crime, than ensuring drunks get home safely.
Finishing patrol at 4am, I was glad of coffee to keep me awake. But for me it was an unforgettable night, seeing at first hand the work done by our police officers to keep our communities safe.
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Weather for Fraserburgh
Monday 06 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
