Four successful drug raids have taken place in Helensburgh since lockdown restrictions were eased – and there will be more to come, according to the town’s senior police officer.
Inspector Roddy MacNeill says his officers will continue their efforts to target people involved in the supply of controlled drugs.
In a report for local Argyll and Bute councillors, the inspector says his officers have also had to deal with an increase in nuisance phone calls since lockdown was imposed.
The report will be considered by members of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee via video link on Thursday.
Inspector MacNeill said: “Since the easing of the lockdown my officers have already executed four drug warrants in Helensburgh, all with a positive outcome.
“I have two further warrants in the pipeline and we continue to target those involved in the supply of controlled drugs.
“Speeding is an issue all over the sub-division, again we are servicing this problem to the best of our ability, numerous tickets issued and persons also reported to the procurator fiscal for excessive speeds.”
He said resources in the town were stronger than they had been for some time and a youth engagement officer had been out on foot around the town centre providing a visible police presence.
Statistics were average and plain clothes police were deployed when possible.
On policing during the Covid-19 pandemic, the inspector said: “Our resources have been dealing with an increase in public nuisance type calls.
“This was down to alleged breaches of the Covid-19 health and safety guidance as it changed through the pandemic.
“We engaged, encouraged, educated and on occasion enforced the legislation.
“Overall compliance was good in the area, as we moved to phase 2 and then 3, numbers of visitors climbed swiftly, mainly down to decent weather and staycations.
“This resulted in very high numbers in the west Loch Lomond area from Duck Bay all the way to Ardlui.
“Parking was, and continues to be, an issue. Arrochar has been very busy and the car parks overflow regularly.
“We have worked with council colleagues and a large number of tickets have been issued for parking offences.
“General parking restrictions are decriminalised in Argyll and Bute and police can only deal with dangerous parking or obstruction.
“A parking management system is now in place in Luss and early signs have been positive.
“We have been working with the National Park and have reported a number of persons for camping without a permit in all areas.
“I have had officers out on the loch carrying out joint patrols with the rangers.”
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