Electric bikes for police in Helensburgh

‘Highly visible’ community police officers are being recruited for Helensburgh – and they’ll be using electric bikes to get about.

Inspector Bart Simonis, who confirmed the plans at a meeting this week. also hopes that special constables, who act as a bridge between the police and the public, will be recruited for Helensburgh, despite challenges in attracting interest.

At Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee this week Cllr Graham Hardie asked: “There has been a lot of talk in the community about police presence. Have you got the presence to bring ‘bobbies on the beat’ through the week?

“I know the town centre was getting overrun by delinquent youths drinking and vaping.”

Inspector Simonis responded: “Your first point is the whole point of community police officers. We have even got them two electric bikes to use.

“They will be a highly visible presence and we want them to be in shops and speaking to the community.

“In terms of antisocial behaviour, it is very much seasonal. In the last six months, we have had very few reports, particularly in areas we know, like Hermitage Park.

“But that is not to say it will not change, and if it does, we will be ready with robust plans.”

Cllr Maurice Corry said: “I am delighted to hear you are going down the route of community police officers. Are you considering special constables as well?”

The inspector said: “We try to attract special constables but currently we don’t have any in Helensburgh. We have somebody in Rothesay who has been a special constable for 30 years.

“We do advertise, but we do not get any interest in coming in. I always say that if you are interest in joining the police, come in via the specials.

“We are using it hopefully as a way forward, but we are very much open to anybody who fancies becoming a special constable.

“The Police Scotland Young Volunteers is going brilliantly. Haining Gallagher [the local youth engagement officer] is telling me every morning how great they are doing.

“We are going to get them involved in plastic clean-ups on the beaches and put safety letters through doors, looking for opportunities for them to engage.”