POLICE REPORT
Central Scotland Police
There when you need us
Thanks for the calls I would just like to say thanks to those people who have been phoning the police when they see or hear something unusual. Over the past few weeks a number of calls have been received which have alerted us to suspicious incidents. These calls are very important in the fight against crime. Thefts from cars Many of you may remember the articles I posted last year regarding cars being broken into whilst they were parked in isolated and secluded car parks. Having carried out various checks it became apparent that thefts occurred throughout the west and north of Scotland. A group of people from Yorkshire were identified and believed to be responsible for the thefts. Unfortunately in the last few weeks a number of cars have been broken into whilst parked in car parks in Glen Coe and Callander. It is important that you do not leave any bags or valuables on show - and if you see something suspicious, call us immediately. Caught Again At the end of July a Lochearnhead man was caught again driving an uninsured car, this time by colleagues from Crieff. He has been charged with driving without insurance and being a disqualified driver. A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal in Perth. Drink Driver Caught About 10pm on Tuesday the 10th of July I was patrolling the A82 between Crianlarich and Tyndrum when I saw a car being driven erratically. I stopped it and spoke to the male driver who smelt strongly of alcohol. He admitted that he had been drinking a short time earlier as had the female passenger (who was the owner of the car). On the arrival of my colleagues the male was breathalysed at the roadside which he failed. He was then arrested and taken to Stirling Police Office where he provided 2 more positive breath samples. Despite the time from his last drink to providing his samples at Stirling he was still more than twice the legal limit. In addition to this he was driving the car without insurance. As a result of this the female passenger was charged with allowing the male to drive without insurance.
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On the 2nd of August both appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court the male who was from Airdrie was disqualified for 16 months and fined £500 and the female who was from Caldercruix was fined £200 and had 8 penalty points added to her licence. 23 year old gunslinger from Fife charged About 3pm on Sunday the 1st of July I was patrolling the north shore of Loch Earn when I saw a group of approximately 20 people next to the waters edge. A male who was part of the group raised what appeared to be a rifle to his shoulder and pointed it towards the road. I immediately stopped my vehicle and approached the male. When he saw me he dropped the rifle to the ground and attempted to hide it. I took possession of the air rifle which was still loaded, I explained the offence the male had committed and charged him accordingly. Unbelievably the male, along with the majority of the group, did not think they were doing anything wrong by not only having the air weapon in a public place but also taking indiscriminate “pot shots” at the rubbish they had dropped. Now you maybe excused for thinking that the group were made up of “young male tearaways and hooligans” but it was not. The group, who were from Fife, consisted of adults, both males and females, aged between 20 and 55 as well as several children. One male informed me that I had no right and that I was spoiling their day and that they were not in a public place. He went onto say that he often carried and used the air rifle in his home town in Fife and the police did not bother. I did explain that they were in a National Park which was definitely a public place. As for his claim about how, where and when he used the rifle and how the police viewed it, I cannot comment, but what I do know is that whilst we maybe viewed by some as ‘the wild west’, I will not put up with any kind of gun play around these parts. A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal and the male will get the opportunity to see a real Sheriff. Definitely an “OFF” Sale Along with several colleagues I carried out a number of checks on 8 different licensed premises between Strathyre and Tyndrum. The main reason for the checks was to make sure that alcohol was not being sold to persons under the legal age. Disappointingly following the Test Purchase Operation alcohol was sold to a 16 year old youth who was part of the police operation. Under the supervision of my colleagues the
youth entered the premises and was able to buy a bottle of cider without being challenged or having to provide any proof of age. Thankfully all of the other premises carried out the correct procedure and passed the test purchase. However following a number of checks on the various premises visited another licensee allowed a member of staff to sell alcohol without having received the proper training. Whilst on the surface the above would appear to be minor issues I can assure you that I take any alcohol related incident or offence seriously. It is an area the Chief Constable regards as a priority - ensuring that all those who live, work and visit Central Scotland Police area can do so safely and without being subjected to anti social behaviour as a result of alcohol misuse. As a result of the operation 2 reports have been submitted to both the Procurator Fiscal and Stirling Council Licensing Board. PC Andrew Ward 01786 456 000 www.centralscotland.police.co.uk
Monty Python Quest at Doune Castle
And now for something completely different! Come along to the magnificent medieval Doune Castle on Sunday 16th September 2012 for the annual Monty Python inspired event. Doune Castle featured in many of the scenes in the 1974 cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a parody of the legend of King Arthur, starring Michael Palin, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam. Gillian Urquhart, Historic Scotland’s Events Manager said: ”This is one of our most entertaining and surreal events. Dress up as your favourite character and take part in our Monty Python Idol competition. See some of the most popular comic sketches being recreated and take part in the silly singalong. “It is also a good chance to brush up on your knowledge of sparrow to coconut weight ratios - and take part in our special quiz. We will be running our Monty Python and the Holy Trail, and there will be a prize for the best costume.” The event takes place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment! Book online in advance at www.historicscotland.gov.uk/events Adults £13, Concession £10, Child £7.20 10% discount for Historic Scotland members.