By Paul Reoch

RESIDENTS IN a Carse of Gowrie village are aggrieved at a surge of vandalism that has occurred there.

Members of Errol Community Council yesterday told The Courier that they had been contacted by various people on a number of concerns.

These relate mainly to policing issues and as a result of a recent meeting it was decided to write to Tayside Police western division in Perth to highlight the problems.

Michael Almond, secretary of Errol Community Council, said yesterday, “After discussion of recent acts of vandalism in Errol and arrests that followed in connection with some of these incidents, we agreed to write to Tayside Police.

“This was on the basis of asking the police what measures they were taking to contain the situation.”

Mr Almond continued, “The most critical time for police officers to be present or available was from 9pm to 1am on Friday and Saturday nights but perhaps the new shift pattern would facilitate this. With the population of Errol set to grow, is it not time to consider having an officer resident in the village?

“We also asked the police if consideration could be given to the recruitment of special constables resident in the village.”

Perth Police have confirmed that there is an increase in acts of hooliganism in Errol but feel that they have the situation under control.

Chief Superintendent Matt Hamilton, from western division, said, “There has been a recent spate of vandalism in Errol and a male has been charged with the majority of these crimes and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

“Friday and Saturday nights between 9pm and 1am are peak times for demand on police services across the county and there are times when resources are stretched. This does not mean that Errol, or Perth and Kinross for that matter, is particularly rowdy.

“Quite the reverse, as levels of crime across our area compare favourably with others.”

He continued, “We should not forget that there was a 7% reduction in crime in Perth and Kinross last year (2005-06). This equates to 600 fewer victims of crime and we have seen further reductions already this year.

“As well as arresting individuals for criminal offences, we have issued 750 anti-social behaviour fixed penalty notices across Perth and Kinross.

“We recognise that much of the success in tackling crime is achieved through working with the public and community councils are an important part of that relationship.

“We will continue to work with our partners in the community and I would urge members of the public to contact the police direct when incidents happen in their area.

“Western division will pilot a new shift system for Tayside Police from early next month and will provide increased numbers of police officers during peak times— Saturday nights in particular,” he added.

“I constantly review how we police the villages of Perth and Kinross and we already use a combination of regular police officers and special constables to provide a much cover as possible.”

Mr Hamilton added, “The men and women of the 50-strong special constabulary in Perth and Kinross provide an excellent public service and another 10 specials will begin work in October.

“If anyone living in Errol is interested in joining the special constabulary, then we would be delighted to hear from them.”