High profile police operation in Monklands

Feb 3 2010 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

OPERATION Rose proved to be a real thorn in the side of yobs and other troublemakers in Monklands last weekend.

More than 250 officers from Strathclyde Police took to the streets on Friday night in a high-profile operation targeting violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

The intelligence-led North Lanarkshire-wide operation was the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at tackling this type of criminality and reassuring residents.

Police chiefs declared it a resounding success with a reduction of 27.5% in the number of incidents from the same period last year.

Officer visited 178 licensed premises, carried out 234 searches, recovered cocaine worth £3500 and reported two curfew-breakers.

They used state-of-the-art metal detectors as part of the clampdown on knife-carrying and arrested two people on warrant.

Chief Superintendent Graham Cairns, Divisional Commander, joined frontline officers on the night and is confident that a strong message was delivered.

He said: “The main aim of the operation was to provide public reassurance and show the level of resources we have available to make our communities a safer place to live.

“We tried to focus on what local people are telling us are their top priorities. We also had a strong presence in town centres and people should know that North Lanarkshire is a safe place to live and to go to for a night out.

“We have recently been working very closely with licensees to make some premises safer and to ensure that potential trouble-makers are identified early.”

Chief Supt. Cairns added: “Analysis of incidents allows us to have the right people, in the right places, at the right times and the fact that there was such a reduction in the number of incidents shows that this approach is working. Having said that, this initiative also allowed us to have a focus on those we know are involved in criminality at the more organised end of things.

“People should see local criminals being dealt with effectively and that is our aim.

“The information we receive from local people has a significant impact on our ability to effectively police the areas they live in. I hope that operations like this will encourage more people to come forward and help us to tackle all aspects of criminality that affects their lives.

“We had significantly more officers than normal on duty during the operation but this is not a one-off event and you can expect to see more officers in the weeks and months to come.”

Anyone with information on crime in their area should speak with their local Community Policing team or visit the force website at www.strathclyde.police.uk for contact details. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111 where anonymity can be maintained.