East Ren police highlight neighbourhood priorities

The report follows a public consultation in October last year, identifying key issues for each ward - and the progress being made in dealing with them.

In Giffnock and Thornliebank, speeding and inconsiderate drivers topped the bill, followed by drug dealing or misuse, housebreaking and theft and violence and antisocial behaviour.

The four areas were highlighted in each report, although Neilston, Uplawmoor and Newton Mearns North put drugs in top position while Netherlee, Stamperland and Williamwood and Newton Mearns South agreed on the issue of inconsiderate drivers.

In Busby, Clarkston and Eaglesham, it was housebreaking and theft at the top of the list — and inspector Alan Dickson confirms that it remains a big issue in East Ren.

Inspector Dickson told The Extra: “Thefts from motor vehicles in particular remains an issue — across the authority, we’re up approximately 50 per cent over the year. But the problem is often cars that have been left unlocked or unsecured because of faulty locking systems.

“There has been a real surge and we would reiterate the message to check that all house and car doors and windows are locked.”

Despite ongoing concerns about theft, the latest report contained good news from East Ren’s community cops, including no serious incidents throughout the Christmas period, and favourable results during the festive drink drive campaign, with no drivers failing roadside breath tests.

Multi-member ward plans for the next year are due in April, and inspector Dickson believes they provide “accountability in the area”.

He added: “Residents tell us what the problems are — youths hanging around, people drinking in the street — and we use these reports to say what we’re going to do about the pertinent issues, and to keep the public updated on how we’re doing.”