Police To Crackdown On Vandalism In Moray
An initiative to target vandalism has been launched in Moray.
An initiative to target vandalism has been launched in Moray.
Operation Regard will see police working with partners to prevent vandalism from happening and to help those who may have become victims.
​Inspector for the Forres and Speyside area, Paul McCruden, said: "Vandalism affects the quality of life for those living and working in our communities. We know how annoying it can be to have your property or that of your business or workplace damaged, so we want to do all we can to prevent it happening and reduce the number of crimes of vandalism.
"Our research has identified some areas in Moray where the problem is worse than others and we know the times and days of the week when most crimes happen. Our resources and that of Moray Council Community Wardens and other partners will be used to target those areas with regular high visibility patrols.
"The patrols will engage with those who are found in the hot spot areas and parents whose children are found congregating in these areas can expect some contact with the police. Operation Regard aims to improve the quality of service we provide to those who suffer vandalism as well as preventing the crimes from happening. "
Andy Jamieson of The Moray Council Anti-social Behaviour Unit said: "The Moray Community Safety Partnership is delighted to support this initiative which targets vandalism in Moray. Vandalism offences in Moray, not only have financial implications to all victims but cause great distress. The Community Wardens will work alongside Police Scotland in patrolling areas where vandalism is occurring to provide reassurance and deter offending. By all agencies working together incidents of vandalism will reduce."
Moray Councillor Douglas Ross, said: "Not only does vandalism affect the property which is targeted, it also creates a poor image in the local area which detracts from the positive light we want to show Moray in to both residents and visitors to the area.
“By tackling the issue in this way it will hopefully send a signal to potential vandals that the police are taking this issue seriously; and communities which have been affected in the past will appreciate that efforts are being made to target the problem.”