POLICE ARE seeking to reassure Arbroath and Brechin residents that a high profile presence will remain in both towns following the death of Jolanta Bledaite.

Tayside Police Superintendent Ewen West, deputy divisional commander, said, “Residents have publicly voiced their concern that an incident of this nature could happen on their doorstep.

“But it needs to be recognised that both Brechin and Arbroath are safe towns and only a small proportion of residents and visitors are affected by crime.

“The death of Jolanta Bledaite is both devastating for her family and friends but also for her fellow migrant workers.

“Violent crimes often affect our most vulnerable individuals, those who actually need more of our attention and support.

“They may experience a range of social and perhaps criminal issues and need to be assured that Tayside Police and our partner agencies are more than happy to assist them in dealing with these situations.”

Superintendent West added that crime had fallen in the Angus area over the last five years, with the most significant reductions in violent offences and serious assaults.

He continued, “Our intention is to disrupt those committing criminal acts, as well as identifying and protecting those who may feel vulnerable.

“We recognise we need to reassure members of the migrant worker community that they are safe and secure in Angus.

“To that end we will be working closely with our partners in Angus Council to develop better lines of communication between ourselves and migrant workers.

“Our officers will be gathering information around inter-community tensions and establishing networks within these communities.

“I want all of our migrant workers to know that any crime is unacceptable and that if any one of them has been the victim of a crime, they should get in touch with us.

“We understand there may be language barriers but that is not something that they should fear, as we have access to a range of official interpreters if necessary,” he said.