Aberfoyle
Operation ironworks
19th, March 2008
A six-month operation aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour at some of Scotland’s most stunning beauty spots is being launched on Friday (March 21).
Operation Ironworks will cover Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and will provide high profile patrols in a bid to promote responsible behaviour in the countryside and to deter such antisocial behaviour and criminal offences from being committed.
Operation Ironworks will be run in conjunction with rangers from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland. Strathclyde Police and Tayside Police will also provide assistance in the National Park where it covers their force areas.
Crimestoppers Scotland are also supporting this initiative.
During the six months there will be 42 different initiatives targeting issues such as speeding, parking problems, traffic issues, litter offences, theft, vandalism and noise disturbance. High visibility patrols will be carried out by officers on bikes as well as officers from the Road Policing Unit, Dog Section and Underwater Search Unit. The mobile police office will also be used at various locations, trained wildlife crime officers will be deployed, and traffic wardens will ensure traffic problems are kept to a minimum.
Leading the operation Sergeant Joyce Greenhorn, said: “The National Park is a popular area for leisure pursuits such as watersports, mountain biking and walking.
“We want to make sure people can visit and enjoy the natural beauty this area has to offer without falling victim to crime or causing an annoyance to others. We also want to ensure that those who live here don’t have their quality of life affected by visitors who may break the law.”
Sergeant Greenhorn added: “There have been problems in the past with tents, cars, BBQs and bags of rubbish being abandoned. Trees have even been felled in order to have a fire. That is not acceptable especially when there may be firewood lying nearby.
“We want people to come here and have a good time, but they need to know what they can and can’t do.
“Operation Ironworks is also about educating the public about what is expected from them. They should take their litter home and abide by the bylaws. Motorists should also be aware that if they park on Urban Clearways they will receive a fixed penalty.
“The National Park will be policed by local officers who have local knowledge and know the problem areas. Every loch accessible will be patrolled,” warned Sergeant Greenhorn.
Dr Tim Edwards, executive director for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said: “We fully support this operation. We welcome the opportunity to work and support Central Scotland Police and Forestry Commission Scotland to make Loch Lomond and the Trossachs a safe and enjoyable place to work, live and visit.”
A Forestry Commission Scotland spokeswoman said: “Woods and natural spaces provide a huge range of benefits - from somewhere to relax and unwind to a great location to take part in some healthy exercise.
“We want people to enjoy themselves but unfortunately a small minority of people are committing anti-social behaviour which causes damage to the surrounding area.
\"Operation Ironworks will help tackle some of the problems, such as litter and vandalism, which will result in nicer open spaces for everyone to enjoy.
\"Working in partnership with the police and the National Park will maximise resources, provide wide ranging benefits and help get the most out of the initiative.\"
To report matters of anti-social behaviour any of the agencies involved can be contacted or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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