Police in Wishaw have moved to assure residents they are taking action on criminals within their community.
Officers, in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, respond to ongoing concerns from the local community leading to a series of arrests on drug and weapons charges.
Superintendent Raymond Higgins said: “We continue to support ongoing activity in Craigneuk aimed at tackling crime and supporting those within our local communities.
“Following concerns surrounding drug misuse, officers have recently carried out enforcement action, leading to a number of arrests.
"We have also worked with housing providers which has resulted in tenancy warnings against those who are involved in drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, and disorder.
“Over the past three weeks, a number of high visibility resources have been deployed on foot and motorcycles, supported by plain clothes patrols. As a result of this, we engaged with 112 people, resulting in seven individuals being arrested or charged in connection with drugs offences.
“Three properties were searched were quantities of cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine were recovered. The value of drugs recovered is estimated to be just over £3,000.
“Two men, aged 17 and 21, were arrested in connection with being in possession of offensive weapons and a further three people arrested on warrant. Our focus on this activity was in and around Flaxmill Avenue, Winning Quadrant and Glencleland Road in Craigneuk.”
Superintendent Higgins also urged Craigneuk residents worried about crime in their area to report matters to police even if that information is given anonymously.
“Last year we conducted leaflet drops in the area to highlight the work of the charity Crimestoppers, which can be used to provide information about crime anonymously,” said Superintendent Higgins.
“This saw a rise in information people were willing to pass on to support us in targeting the people who are causing the most issues. This week we are back in the area to reaffirm our commitment to the local people that we do take action when information becomes available and we will continue to do so.
“We work in partnership with our colleagues at North Lanarkshire Council restorative services to deliver more leaflets identifying how people can access this service and engaged with local people to discuss their concerns.
“The message we continue to send out to the people of Craigneuk is that we will not tolerate anyone causing harm on any of our communities across Lanarkshire.”
Officers would like to thank members of the community for making use of the anonymous service that Crimestoppers offer and they encourage local people to call 0800 555 111 with any information that would assist Police Scotland and its partners to make Craigneuk a safer place to live.
Stephen Llewellyn, Chief Officer (Housing Management) with North Lanarkshire Council said: “Antisocial behaviour can take many forms, cause terrible disruption within communities, and make innocent people feel very vulnerable.
“We work closely with our partners at Police Scotland to tackle antisocial behaviour which makes the lives of others a misery. This includes intelligence sharing, using CCTV and regular joint patrols.
“We will use all the powers at our disposal to target those who are causing trouble in the community, this will include tenancy warnings and ultimately evictions if necessary.
“We are grateful to our colleagues in Restorative Justice for delivering Crimestoppers leaflets in the Craigneuk area and we would urge anyone worried about antisocial behaviour to contact us. If criminality is involved, you should contact Police Scotland immediately.”
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