Prevention, problem solving and proactivity

County Lines Intensification Week
County Lines is criminal activity by those from larger cities who expand their operations into smaller towns. They exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons – bringing violence, coercion and abuse. They can also take over a vulnerable person’s house – known as cuckooing.
During a national County Lines intensification week between Monday, 4 March and Sunday, 10 March, Police Scotland took action to protect vulnerable people and targeted the drugs dealers who exploit them. Officers identified and safeguarded vulnerable people across the country. Illegal drugs, cash, and offensive weapons, including a firearm, were also recovered.
Officers in Scotland safeguarded 22 vulnerable people and engaged with another 1,070. Throughout the week, 14 men and 2 women were arrested for a variety of offences and 15 drug and evidential search warrants were executed.
Illegal drugs, including around £25,000 worth of cocaine and crack cocaine, £35,000 worth of heroin, cannabis and amphetamine were seized as well as over £4,200 in cash. Several offensive weapons including an imitation pistol, two machetes and eight knives were recovered. 57 mobile phones were also seized.

Project Shield - Forth Valley
Thirty people have been arrested and charged, and a further 37 people have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal, in connection with acquisitive crime across the Forth Valley area following a two week-long initiative. Project Shield saw officers working with partners to help prevent and detect crimes such as housebreakings and thefts.
In total, 67 crimes were detected, including twelve housebreakings, seven motor vehicle thefts, six attempted housebreakings, twenty-four shoplifting thefts and a variety of other incidents.
This result highlights our continuing commitment to tackling acquisitive crime. By working closely with our partners, we aim to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place, making our communities safer for everyone.

Equestrian education - Greater Glasgow Division
Building positive relationships with communities and identifying diversion opportunities is an essential part of how we prevent crime.
I want to recognise and thank Sergeant Lauren Semple for her work with organisations including the Scottish Racing Academy (SRA), Tannoch Stables, Horse Scotland, the Scottish Police Recreation Association, Hooves and Paws Equestrian Centre, and campus officers across five schools to identify individuals suitable for a programme to provide young people in the east end of Glasgow with the opportunity to undertake equestrian education, with 22 young people enrolled in the first year.
Lauren secured funding to facilitate the programme and equip participants with yard attire. Taster sessions commenced aimed at building trust, confidence and to break down barriers between police and the young people, with campus officers also taking part.
The young people undertook a Scottish Qualifications Authority qualification in horse care as part of the programme, forging potential future career pathways and opportunities.
The programme focused on four learning outcomes; horse identification and care, grooming, tacking up and stable management, with further opportunities to develop on to the level 5 and 6 qualifications. To date, four participants have progressed to these higher levels, with a 100% success rate for all participants on the original programme.
Last month, Lauren was recognised for her work, winning the Community Award at the annual Godolphin Thoroughbred Employee Industry Awards.

Road Safety Summit
On Wednesday, 28 February, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan represented Police Scotland to join key road safety partners in Edinburgh to identify new ways to improve road safety.
Road safety is a priority for Police Scotland and we are part of a crucial partnership approach. Our officers are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement.
We have dedicated intelligence-led patrols on targeted routes to take action against dangerous drivers and respond to community concerns. We also support a national calendar of road safety activity, deliver campaigns and work with partners to develop prevention.
Police Scotland is committed to supporting the Scottish Government's Road Safety Framework to reduce road deaths and injuries. We will continue to make sure we are doing all we can to improve road safety.