POLICE NEWS

Housebreakings have plummeted in the whole area in comparison with last year. From 1 Feb through to 29 June there have been only thirteen break-ins, or attempts, and most relate to Cults, Bieldside and Milltirnber.

As far as youth related incidents are concerned, these past few weeks have seen very few problems. This is possibly (hopefully) as a result of several weekend Police Operations aimed at tackling youth gatherings/underage drinking etc. in the area. Although I wouldn't put all the success down to yours truly and co., it could well be a combination of seasonal contributions, being the holiday season and let's not forget the weather. I'm also hoping that parents have taken a hand in this. Whatever it is, at the moment only isolated incidents appear to have been reported.

Imentioned in the last Courier (hat I had arranged a meeting with some of the local youths to discuss what could be introduced to the area from which they would benefit. The meeting was held On 29 April at the Pop-in and was attended by fifteen youngsters. They advised that some of their friends couldn't make it. Nonetheless an impressive turn out.

The discussion kicked off and straight away they speaking about a proper youth centre where they'd be left to themselves! I quickly brought them round to being a wee bit more realistic and talked about Sports Combination Systems (Basketball/football set ups, similar to those in the Westburn Park) as well as youth shelters. They were quite taken with this kind of thing and seemed very enthusiastic.

Since then I've been involved in a meeting at the Town House (into the realms of officialdom) and can assure you that the 'powers that be' are showing interest in looking at such ideas. Another meeting has been scheduled for 10 September.

I have been asked by a few folks in the community as to how much, realistically, it would cost to put these set ups in place. (That's if we're ever successful in furthering this.) There's no getting away from it........a lot!!

I have researched that, for a full playing surface basketball/football court, fully fenced, with a youth shelter, you're looking at about £40,000!!! Well that's being realistic. Let's not forget that £40,000 wouldn't even buy you a double garage and gazebo out in this nick of the woods. So to my mind, if that's what it costs, that's what it costs. What we also have to consider is the above is just for the Culter area. What about Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber? Clearly the same type of facility would be required in Cults, ho that's possibly another £40,000.

Where would all the money come from? Well again, I emphasise it may never happen, but should a miracle occur, I reckon the bulk of the money would have to come from within the community, i.e. ....YOU. Don't worry, I'm not all set to come chapping on your door with my hat out just yet. I'm just letting you know the state of play.

That's it for now, any queries about anything relative, please feel free to get in touch.

PC GRAEME STEWART

Community Beat Officer Culter Police 

To report a crime - 386000