Operation to Curb Lochside Disorder Wins Praise
Thursday, 22nd October 2009
A co-ordinated operation led by Central Scotland Police aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour in one of the country's most popular visitor areas has been recognised in the Scottish Policing Awards.
Operation Ironworks is a multi-agency initiative involving the police, park authority and forestry staff to make sure law-abiding visitors can enjoy Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Running from Easter through to the end of the peak visiting periods at the end of summer every year, officers work with park rangers and Forestry Commission staff, as well as police officers from Tayside and Strathclyde, to stage high profile patrols to deter criminals, combat disorder and promote respect for the natural surroundings.
The operation secured Highly Commended status at the Scottish Policing Awards at the Scottish Police College on Tuesday October 20. Special award certificates were presented to officers from Central Scotland Police, as well as partners from the Strathclyde and Tayside forces, by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Chief Constable Kevin Smith said: "This is a terrific achievement for everyone involved in Operation Ironworks, which is a key part of our attempts to make the community within the park area as safe and as enjoyable as possible.
"The officers and staff who work on the operation every year put a lot of effort into the planning and delivery of Ironworks, and spend large amounts of time speaking with the public, raising awareness of the issues and tackling those who come to cause problems."
Chief Inspector Kevin Findlater, of Dunblane Sub Area Command and who has been closely involved with Operation Ironworks, said: "To be recognised in this way is tremendous. Ironworks really is about deterring criminals and making sure those who come to Central Scotland and the National Park can do so in the knowledge that they are less likely to become victims of crime or disorder. The award also recognises the strong partnership approach which we adopt to make sure our tactics work effectively."
Chief Executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Fiona Logan, said: "Ensuring the visitor has a fantastic experience is one of the National Park's key aims and the partnership of Operation Ironworks between the Police and the National Park Ranger Service is a vital ingredient in delivering this. The extra patrolling by the Ranger Service and Police has had a real impact on the ground and the dedicated work of all involved is something this National Park is very proud of. There is a lot still to do in the Park and we look forward to future work with the Police and Forestry Commission Scotland to keep on delivering a great service to those that live in and visit the area."
