Rachael Hamilton MSP is urging the SNP to back her party’s plans for a Local Policing Act to put ‘bobbies back on the beat’ in the Borders.
Rachael Hamilton’s call comes after new figures from Police Scotland show that 840 divisional police officers have been lost since the forces merged into one in 2013.
In Lothian and the Borders there are now 69 fewer police officers than eight years ago. Over the last year, 12 officers have also been lost in Lothian and the Borders.
Rachael Hamilton says SNP Ministers have severely weakened local policing and failed to act as violent crime has risen in Scotland in recent years.
Mrs Hamilton and Cllr Haslam praised the work of the local Borders Community Action Team, who tackle a wide variety of criminal activities right across the Borders.
Scottish Conservative plans for a Local Policing Act would see more police patrolling the streets in Lothian and the Borders and ensure local people have more of a say in local policing decisions.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Rachael Hamilton said:
“The SNP have decimated local policing in Lothian and Borders since they created Police Scotland eight years ago.
“Our police force do a tremendous job in fighting crime, yet they have been let down by poor decision making by the SNP Government.
“A strong local police presence in the Borders is crucial in helping communities feel safe.
“I have long campaigned for more rural police officers, to help tackle to scourge of rural crime, such as flytipping and livestock theft.
“The reality under the SNP is fewer and fewer police officers in the Borders.
“I am backing Scottish Conservative plans to introduce a Local Policing Act. This will put more bobbies on the beat in Lothian and the Borders, involve local people in policing decisions and guarantee our hardworking officers always have the resources they need.
“Our officers have gone above and beyond during the pandemic and deserve to see local policing operations fully supported by SNP Ministers.”
Cllr Shona Haslam said:
“The cut in police officer numbers across the Borders is concerning, that is why we have done all we can to bolster SBC’s Community Action Team.
“Alongside Police Scotland, the CAT team operate across the area, focussing on important local issues such as anti-social behaviour, drugs, illegal parking and theft.
“They carry out a fantastic job and make a real difference in our communities.
“We will continue to maintain the CAT team as a vital force in tackling crime across the Borders”.