THE three new community inspectors say their focus under Police Scotland will be as local as it ever was.
Brian MacFarlane’s area includes Lauderdale, Berwickshire and Kelso and District in the east, Carol Wood is responsible for the south –notably Selkirk, Hawick and Jedburgh – while Mike Wynne takes over the west, which includes Peebles, Melrose and Galashiels.
The trio have drawn up their own policing plans having consulted with local residents, with each prioritising anti-social behaviour among their main targets.
In addition, Insp MacFarlane has been told that nuisance neighbours are a problem in his communities.
He said: “We will work hand in hand with Scottish Borders Council on this issue.
“Anti-social behaviour can not only affect the next door neighbour but the whole street, and it is important to try to reduce that impact and maybe even change their behaviour.”
Already in Galashiels, a safer town centre partnership is in place, which resulted in a 17 per cent reduction in shoplifting in the first year of operation, and the plan is to continue the good work.
Insp Wynne also pointed to police involvement in the newsletter for Langlee residents – “This ia a fantastic opportunity for the police to engage with the community,” he added.