Courtesy Daily Record  

By Ben Spencer

SOUTH-EAST Asian gangs have been revealed as a huge force behind Scotland's growing hash farm trade.

Scotland's police forces have recovered 130,000 plants worth nearly £40million since a crackdown on cannabis factories started in 2006.

Of the 304 people arrested over four years, nearly three quarters (74 per cent) were Chinese and more than a fifth (22 per cent) Vietnamese.

ER NHW applied for match funding from the three East Renfrewshire Area Forums in order to purchase Alcohol Testing Kits for our police officers.

In addition we also received funding for the purchase of personal attack alarms.

On Friday 11th June 2010 these items were handed over to Inspector Campbell Crawford, the Deputy Area Commander for East Renfrewshire.

Councillor Ralph Robertson who was chair of one of the area forums when the awards were made said "When I was chair of the Area Forum I was pleased that an award was made to Neighbourhood Watch to purchase strips to test for detecting alcohol.

Strathclyde launch forcewide campaign to promote responsible use of air weapons ...

Airguns are extremely dangerous weapons when inappropriately handled and should not be considered as toys. The consequences of thinking an air weapon is a toy are extremely serious and could result in severe injury or jail.

That is the message from Strathclyde Police as it launches its 'Game Over' campaign, designed to highlight the dangers and reinforce the message that air weapons are not kids play. Although not illegal, in the wrong hands they can be dangerous and can cause serious harm.

Strathclyde police are urging members of the public to keep their homes, cars and other valuable property secure and out of sight, following a spate of “Thefts” recently  in Glasgow’s South Side.  In recent weeks there has been a rise in crimes of this type.

Chief Inspector Kenneth Graham   of “Strathclyde Police” Is offering the following advice:

“We’d like to remind members of the public not to leave valuables unattended and in open view of criminals, even if it is only for a few minutes.

Taking a few seconds to follow simple safety precautions can often save a substantial loss. We would urge the community in the South Side of Glasgow to be alert.

Please remember to secure your home before going out or retiring for the evening. Lock your car doors and remove all property, including satellite navigation cradles and valuable items before leaving the car”.

There are some simple ways that can help protect your property from thieves: 

• Most sneak-in thefts are committed by opportunist thieves who don’t need to break-in due to a door or window being left open.

•  Keeping your home securely locked at all times is the best deterrent.  remember to check your cellar, garage and shed doors too.

• If you see signs of a break-in at your home, for example a smashed window or an open door – don’t go in.  Get assistance and call the police.

• Mark your property with a UV marker pen.  You can use this pen to place an invisible identification mark of your postcode and house number.

• Remember to use a strong chain to secure your bicycle to a solid structure. Modern bikes are extremely valuable so if you don’t lock it, you might loose it

• Never leave your valuables inside your vehicle in clear view of passers-by, even if it is only for a short time. 

• Do Not leave your "CAR" or "HOUSE" keys in view. If they see it, they can steal it. Remove your valuables from sight before someone else does. 

• Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Members of the public can contact GIFFNOCK Police Office on 0141 532 5700 or information can be passed in confidence via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.