Agenda item

(a)     Violent Crime, Disorder and Anti Social Behaviour

i)                    Hate Crime - Sergeant Mark Wilson provided the group with an update covering  the period between 26^th November 2013 and 21^st January 2014.  He advised that there had only been 2 incidents of hate crime within this period.  He further  advised that both incidents had been detected and were as a result of alcohol. 

ii)                   Regulatory Services - There was no update.

iii)                 CCTV and CCTV Requests Due to the Connection difficulties the Anti-Social Behaviour coordinator was unable to provide an update report. Consequently  the Clerk agreed that he would request a report for the next meeting in relation to the mobile camera and also in regards to the town centre static camera,  He also agreed that if there had been any major substantive changes that he would circulate an interim update to members.  

iv)                 Domestic Abuse- Sergeant Mark Wilson reported a decrease in domestic violence related crimes for the period of 26^th November 2013 to 21^st January 2014.  He advised that out of 25 detected incidents only 16 reached the threshold of  criminal behaviour.  He advised that the other 9 cases were a result of couples having arguments which were reported to the Police, but that there was no requirement for further action.

v)                  Child Proteciton/ Youth Projects There was no update, however Andrew Hemmings advised of a number  of school projects which were currently running which were being supported by the Crime prevention Panel, highlighting child protection issues. 

The Clerk advised that he would invite Raymond Flanagan, Youth Worker to the next meeting with a view to providing an update in this regard.

vi)                 Older Persons - There was no update, however the Clerk advised of the recent “Reshaping Care for Older Persons” event run by Argyll and Bute Council. 

vii)               Home Safety - Andy McClure advised the group that the Fire Service are working to reduce the number of calls they are receiving due to automatic fire alarms.  He advised that these were mainly due to faulty or oversensitive systems and were primarily located in cares homes and similar..  Mr McClure also advised of the serious house fire on the Isle of Colonsay.  He noted that unfortunately the house had been razed to the ground.  He explained that the Community Council in this area had raised the issue  as to why the designated  water supply for fire fighting  was so far away from the house..  He spoke of the Building Regulations both pre and pro 2011. It was noted that the regulations now specify that the water hydrant must be within 100 metres of the house, unless the fire service are satisfied that sufficient alternative measures are in place to mitigate the risk.  It was suggested that it may be necessary in the longer term  for the Fire Service to be more proscriptive regarding this  aspect of the regulations, He stressed the importance of home safety visits and requested that the Forum publicise these at any opportunity. 

viii)              Health - There was no update.

ix)                 Health Activities - There was no update, however the Chair advised that the Council have recently re-instated the Healthy Working Lives group and a further update will be provided to the next meeting

x)                  Police Scotland - Sergeant Mark Wilson advised that there were no further incidents of house break-ins since the last meeting.  He did advise however that they believed that the break-ins last year were linked to an organised criminal gang based in the central belt.  He advised of a national Police operation ongoing at present.  He further advised of a successful detection by an officer on nightshift in the Mid Argyll area, who recently stopped a white van, only to discover 2 outboard motors and a tank of red diesel.  He advised that the 2 outboard motors were stolen and as the use of red diesel is illegal, they arrested the Lithuanian gentleman, who is currently in custody awaiting trial as he was deemed a flight risk.  

xi)                 Andy McClure updated the group in regards to the Muirburn Code. Which is the farmers code for controlled burning of Moorland  He advised that the Fire Service are about to start a PR drive to ensure that landowners are aware of their responsibilities and ensure that the general public are aware of the steps they can take to protect the environment.  He spoke of the leaflet drop and local press coverage which is due to start in late February/early March before the inset of the dry weather.  The Chair thanked the Fire Service for the information and statistics provided in respect of the incident reports.  The code itself can be located on the Scottish Government Website.

xii)               Road Safety - There was no update. 

xiii)              Partnership Referrals There have been no referrals.

xiv)             Water Safety.  Peter Howland advised the group that the RNLI offer lifejacket checking as a service .  He advised that on inspections last year, only 12 out of the 145 inspected required any maintenance work done.  He advised that all Police cars in Scotland should carry a Water Safety Kit.  Sergeant Wilson confirmed that they do and each kit contains life lines and safety vests, which are checked annually. 

Mr Howland advised that he was awaiting further information from Argyll and Bute Council in relation to the Kintyre Kayaking Trail.  He advised that while he supports the idea in principal he is concerned by the consequences for the emergency services.  He stressed that it was important that any paddle sports participants notify someone where they are going and an expected return time.  He advised that he had spoken with the Coastguard in Belfast and they confirmed that they are happy to accept calls notifying them. 

The Clerk advised that he had spoken with the organisers at MACPOOL in Lochgilphead who were offering introductory and intermediate Kayak Safety Courses with a view to a representative coming along to the next meeting of the Forum and providing an update.