THE re-introduction of community police teams in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area is making an impact on tackling various aspects of crime through increasing community engagement.

Head police officer in Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath, Chief Inspector Steven Hamilton, told Cowdenbeath Area Committee, that the restructuring of Community teams saw a return to the conventional Community Policing Model with two officers being deployed in each of the Lochs, Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly and Cardenden wards.

Councillors were told, “This allows the focus to be on local community issues and further allows that much needed community engagement and intervention to take place.” The Chief Inspector added that anti-social behaviour, violence and disorder had been reported as taking place in both Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly.

He went on, “There have been some challenges faced around the problems with youths congregating and causing general nuisance through anti-social behaviour.

“Although recorded numbers of this type of behaviour in this reporting period are down we remain focussed on positively dealing with all incidents of this nature robustly as we know how much this can impact upon the day to day lives of local residents.

“Areas causing concern have been identified as Leuchatsbeath Drive, Johnston Park and the underpass at Stenhouse Street, in Cowdenbeath; and Main Street, Lochgelly and the wooded area near to Wester Cartmore Farm where local residents there are witnessing groups congregating and drinking alcohol.

“Reports include youths aged between 12 and 15 years consuming alcohol and causing general nuisance through noise and minor acts of vandalism. Alcohol is often a contributory factor.

“To address issues we continue to deploy local resources and bid for external operational support with additional police patrols, both mobile and on foot, working with communnity wardens.

“A number of youths found in possession of alcohol or in possession of it have been returned home to their parents.” Cowdenbeath councillor, Gary Guichan, said he was delighted to see the community teams back in action as he felt these gave a public face to the service.

“The community teams are the face on the street of the Force and these officers are so important in picking up key intelligence,” he added.

Lochs member Alex Campbell said, “The community officers are very important people in the local effectiveness of the police.” Committee chairman Councillor Willie Clarke commented, “It is so important that all the partners are working together to ensure that crime is fought on a broad front.” Chief Inspector Hamilton added, “Cowdenbeath officers have have also been responsible for the execution of 45 drug search warrants which have seen the recovery and removal of Class A, B and C drugs from the streets.”