PC Steven Graham and PC Scott Craigie are the Police Scotland Ward Officers for the Forth and Endrick area, which incorporates Kippen and surrounding areas. They are based at Balfron Police Office, and can be contacted at the office, on 101 or at ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk
They regularly publish information and appeals online. The local Twitter feed can be found at @StirlingPol, and the local Facebook page can be found at ‘Forth Valley Police Division’.
The current ward priorities for the Forth and Endrick area continue to be Antisocial Behaviour, Road Safety, Theft and Community Engagement and Reassurance.
Antisocial Behaviour
Recently, there has been very little antisocial behaviour reported in the Kippen area. Of the few incidents reported to police, all were minor in nature and localised. None of the incidents resulted in prosecution.
Road Safety
Since the last edition of The Wee Vine, there have been several minor road traffic collisions recorded on the roads in and around the Kippen area.
The Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership and Police Scotland have continued to perform speed enforcement and hi-visibility patrols in and around Kippen, resulting in a number of motorists being given advice regarding their vehicle or manner of driving, or prosecuted where appropriate. Regular such patrols and checks will continue in an effort to improve road safety and driver behaviour.
Theft
There have been no thefts reports in the Kippen area since the last issue of The Wee Vine.
However, local residents are reminded of the importance of being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to Police Scotland or CrimeStoppers anonymously, no matter how trivial it may seem.
Community Engagement and Reassurance
As well as regular high visibility patrols in the area, PC Graham and PC Craigie attempt to regularly visit Kippen to carry out road safety duties, including speed enforcement, assist with local community issues and visit community partners within the Kippen area. These visits are backed up by our colleagues within Balfron Police Office, who regularly carry out routine patrols within the area.
The following is an initiative being run within community policing that we would like to highlight.
DOORSTEP CRIME / BOGUS WORKMEN
What is Doorstep Crime?
Bogus Callers: Will attempt to get into your home or obtain personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not, including:
Council Staff
Meter readers
Charity collectors
Police officers
in reality, they are criminals trying to steal your cash and valuables.
Rogue Traders: Usually cold callers, offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or often completely unnecessary work.
We do not recommend dealing with cold callers for property maintenance and repairs to your home and garden areas.
Contact your local council to see if they operate a trusted traders scheme or similar, where you will find a list of accredited trades people.
Below is some useful advice and considerations.
Think:
Be on your guard if someone turns up unexpectedly.
Be aware of methods used by criminals to distract you such as being asked to make a phone call, to use your toilet, for a glass of water, or being asked to check your water or gas supplies.
Do not keep large amounts of money at home.
Does your premises or garden really require work to be carried out.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be vigilant for vulnerable neighbours who may fall foul of these criminals.
About calling the police when you see anything suspicious.
Never let someone you don’t know into your house, if you’re not sure don’t answer the door.
What can I do?
SECURE:
Use a door chain or bar: Always put the chain on before answering the door, and keep it on while taking to callers
If you have a door viewer- use it.
Keep rear, side doors and windows secure.
Don’t feel embarrassed- genuine callers expect you to be careful
Ask for identification, whether you expect anyone or not.
Remember- ID’s can be fake and shouldn’t be relied upon.
Don’t assume a caller is genuine because they are wearing a uniform
Obtain a written quote before agreeing to any work
If you have any doubts, tell the caller to come back when someone else is home, genuine callers won’t mind rearranging
IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT
Don’t feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work- Never listen to scare stories, beware of traders who suddenly appear after storms or floods and claims of low prices if you sign up immediately.
Don’t agree to buy from the first person who calls- do you really want or need these goods or services
Don’t pay cash up front- never pay for work before it is completed and do not hand over large sums of money
Shop around if you decide you need work done- Get a minimum of three quotes from reputable traders or recommendations from people you trust
Cancellation rights- Any job over £42- traders are required to provide written notice informing the consumer that they have a 14 day cooling off period during which time the consumer can cancel the contract.
Should you require any further information please log onto
http://www.policescotland.co.uk
or contact Police Scotland via 101 or Trading Standards at your local authority on the following numbers
Clackmannanshire Council (01259) 450000
Falkirk Council (01324) 506070
Stirling Council (01786) 404040.
The Wee Vine 