Introducing East Ren’s new area commander

Chief inspector Angela Carty has taken up the role of area commander for East Renfrewshire, following the departure of chief inspector Campbell Crawford.

CI Carty has been with Police Scotland for 26 years, and has spent much of her career on the southside beat.

She told The Extra: “I started in Govan and have worked in Pollok, Cathcart and the Gorbals, as well as Ayrshire for a couple of years.

“It’s my first time working in Giffnock, although I’ve covered much of the southside, and it’s very different — Govanhill and Pollokshields are concentrated, densely populated areas compared to East Ren. But it’s a welcome challenge.”

According to the area commander, the concerns highlighted by residents — including housebreakings, antisocial behaviour and speeding — remain a top priority across six wards.

The team are out and about in Barrhead today (Thursday) alongside East Renfrewshire Council’s trading standards and licensing teams, tackling issues from bogus workmen to alcohol.

Bogus callers are also top of the list for the community cops, who are promoting ongoing campaigns in partnership with the local authority.

The new chief inspector added: “The force will also be gearing up for upcoming festive campaigns in December.

“This includes the annual drink driving campaign, which will this year be tied into a reduction on legal limits — so our focus will be on educating people on what’s happening.

“We’ll also have a winter initiative, tackling issues such as robberies and places we think may be particularly vulnerable.”