POLICING priorities across Dumfriesshire, including community safety, officer recruitment and the challenges facing local policing were discussed during a meeting between Craig Hoy MSP and Chief Superintendent Claire Dobson in Dumfries.
The meeting also covered efforts to reduce road deaths, tackle sexual offences, combat online crime and improve the performance of the 101call service, as well as the importance of maintaining effective local policing for communities across Dumfriesshire communities.
Speaking after the meeting Craig Hoy MSP said:
"It was good to meet with Chief Superintendent Dobson and to discuss the policing issues that matter most to people across Dumfriesshire.
"It was also positive to hear about the renewed focus on reducing road deaths, tackling sexual offences, combating online crime and improving the 101 service so that people can report incidents quickly and with confidence.
"We had a constructive discussion about police numbers and recruitment, and it is important our local police force has the resources and personnel it needs to keep our communities safe and respond effectively when people need help.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and neighbourhood, but anti-social behaviour remains a real concern for many residents, and I raised the experiences that constituents continue to share with me. We also discussed the discovery of cannabis factories locally and their links to organised crime, along with recent activities around shops selling illegal tobacco and vapes.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Police Scotland and other local partners to ensure the concerns of communities across Dumfriesshire are heard. I am grateful to Chief Superintendent Dobson for taking the time to meet with me and I look forward to further constructive engagement on these important issues."
