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This year has been a tremendous challenge for the police in West Lothian. The appalling death toll on the roads, rising crime and the scourge of illegal drugs have been set against the backdrop of expanding population, housing and economic growth. |
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Chief Superintendent
Gordon Munro |
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Reported crime has continued to rise in West Lothian. Whilst that is disappointing, the number of crimes solved rose to 35%. Our policing objectives this year, focused on three areas - domestic housebreaking, vandalism and car crime. It is pleasing to note that the number of cars broken into or stolen has reduced, and reported cases of vandalism have also dropped. Unfortunately, 34 more houses were broken into. Given the despicable nature of this crime, my officers will focus on housebreaking in 1999-2000. |
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The Force's high profile Operation Foil, which addressed the increased availability of heroin, had some very impressive results in West Lothian. Over a two week period, more than 50 houses were searched, 29 people were reported and significant quantities of drugs and weapons were recovered. This was not a one-off operation. We have continued to take firm, positive action against drug dealers. I give my personal commitment to those who ply their evil trade within West Lothian, that they will continue to be identified, arrested and put before the courts. |
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West Lothian's appalling death toll on the roads has continued to rise. We have adopted a very high profile traffic policing strategy aimed at enforcing road traffic law. We have worked with our partners to reinforce the education message and constantly look for improvements in road engineering. Speed remains the main cause of serious accidents and I appeal to all road users in West Lothian to consider the safety of themselves and others. |
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During the latter part of 1998, the Force carried out its largest ever public survey in an attempt to establish what people felt our priorities should be. In West Lothian, drug dealing, drink-driving, street robbery and domestic housebreakings were the issues people felt strongest about. As we enter the year ahead, these are precisely the issues my officers and support staff will be prioritising. |
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In West Lothian, all of my officers and support staff are increasingly committed to providing a high quality service to our communities, despite the ever increasing demands upon us. With the continuing support and active participation of our partners and the people of West Lothian, I am confident that the quality of life here will continue to improve. |
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| Together, we will make a difference. | |
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