‘HARBOUR WATCH’ AT ABP’S PORT OF TROON
Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Troon, and the community surrounding the port, are now offered extra protection under ‘Harbour Watch,’ an initiative to combat petty crime and vandalism. The implementation of Harbour Watch means two Community Police officers will visit the harbour area on a regular basis, as part of their ‘beat.’
The Harbour Watch initiative was devised by ABP and Strathclyde Police as a response to some incidents of antisocial behaviour and crime around the harbour area. It came into force in March this year. Before this, there was no ‘call-out’ service at the port, which led to an increase in small-scale crime, such as vandalism and theft. Now, however, Harbour Watch is recognised as a success, bringing the police, the port and the local community closer together, while cutting down local incidents of crime. Posters are to be displayed around the port, warning potential wrongdoers of the increased surveillance.
Bob Smith, Section Inspector, Troon, Strathclyde Police, said: “As a public service to both the residents and the business community of Troon, our motivation is always to reduce crime and increase public safety. This initiative is therefore a great way to reach out to all sections of the community and ensure every corner of Troon is protected. This is an excellent example of our ‘partnership approach’ to tackling problems in the community.”
Alastair MacFarlane, ABP Port Manager, Ayr & Troon, said: “Harbour Watch is a great way to bring the community and the port closer together, and has already brought sizeable benefits to the port area. We welcome this initiative because it shows the community working with the local police – it will reduce still further the low levels of petty crime and antisocial behaviour that we have in Troon.”
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