Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton said she is looking forward to working closely with Police Scotland’s new Area Commander for the Scottish Borders after a constructive meeting at Hawick police station.
Ms Hamilton commended the work of local police officers in tackling crime and helping to keep Borders communities safe with the limited resources they have.
The meeting between Ms Hamilton and the newly appointed Chief Inspector, Stuart Fletcher, focussed on a range of key issues around crime and public safety in the Borders including rural theft and road safety.
Ms Hamilton has been campaigning for the introduction of a Bill in Scotland that would mirror Westminster’s recently passed Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act, which aims to protect rural communities from organised crime. The Scottish Borders has seen an increase in rural crime post-pandemic.
The Borders politician said it is vital that police across rural areas are properly resourced, adding that she has been disappointed to see a downturn in the number of officers in the Borders in recent years.
Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton said: “It was great to meet our new Area Commander at Hawick Police Station. I was pleased to hear about his commitment to his new role and discuss our shared priorities for keeping people safe in the Borders.
“It was especially useful to talk about the challenges that rural communities in the Borders have been facing with road safety, criminal damage and the theft of farm equipment and ATVs.
“I know that our Borders police officers are working hard to tackle these issues and protect our communities, despite their limited resources.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with our new Chief Inspector on our shared goals – keeping the Borders safe and tackling crime.”
