Marine Policing Unit Targets Loch Hotspots

Loch Lomond is one of the largest bodies of water within the UK and attracts a large and varied number of people to its shores every year.  Strathclyde’s Marine Policing Unit has an important role to play in policing the west side of the loch and the surrounding areas, ensuring the thousands of people who come to visit enjoy the area in safety. 

Proactive Policing

In the last few months, officers from the Marine Policing Unit have made a huge contribution in proactively patrolling the loch.  A number of areas were identified as being particularly problematic for issues such as underage drinking, disorder, antisocial behaviour and vandalism.  These areas were targeted by officers in a bid to reduce and deter this activity while offering reassurance to the public.

The Marine Policing Unit has maintained a high visibility presence around Loch Lomond over the past six months, with 21 patrols being carried out.  This has included attending various incidents and events, from rescuing an injured jet skier to supporting the local division in policing the Loch Lomond Open Golf Championship.

Results

• 8 people arrested for a variety of offences, including two people for the alleged possession on an offensive weapon
• More than 50 leisure vessels checked by officers to promote water safety and security
• 4 people reported to the Procurator Fiscal for breaches of local bye-laws
• 9 people reported for alleged drug offences
• 11 people reported for alleged alcohol offences
• 6 people reported for alleged breach of the peace
• 13 people reported for alleged road traffic offences

Concentrated resources 

Sergeant Iain Oliphant said:

“We have the ability to respond to any incident on or around the loch and this year we have concentrated our resources in proactively targeting hotspot areas, helping to reduce the number of disorder and antisocial behaviour incidents.  Working alongside local officers and the National Park Rangers, we have been providing high visibility patrols, targeting particularly problematic areas while providing reassurance to the public.”

Operation Hawk

On Saturday 15 August 2009, Operation Hawk was launched, a joint operation involving the Marine Policing Unit, Dog Branch and Road Policing officers. 

The operation’s main objectives were to check for any stolen boats or vehicles, disrupt any illegal activity and gather intelligence. 

During the day, the Force’s specialist drugs dogs searched 32 vehicles resulting in three people being reported to the Procurator Fiscal for alleged drug offences.

Officers stopped and checked 48 vehicles, 10 jet skis and 15 boat trailers throughout the day.  Eleven people were reported to the Procurator Fiscal for various alleged road traffic offences.

Other operations

The Marine Policing Unit also supported local divisions in joint operations targeting violence, disorder and antisocial behaviour, such as Operation Fleet. 

In an effort to combat marina crime, officers carried out around 20 visits to marinas around the loch, dealing with reports of disorder and antisocial behaviour.  Officers also handed out specially designed safety packs to boat owners, detailing measures and advice on how best to protect their vessels and possessions. 

The Marine Policing Unit works in partnership with Loch Lomond’s Park Rangers and this close working relationship ensures Loch Lomond remains a spectacular beauty spot for everyone to enjoy.