Two new rural police officers are settling into their new roles which have been designed to specifically target countryside crime.
Constables Eilidh O’Hanlon and Gary Mitchell will remain part of the community policing team but are the first officers to be dedicated in patrolling the villages and rural areas of Renfrewshire.
The officers will receive specialist training with regard to wildlife crime and will be on hand to deal with some of the issues experienced on the local estates and farms.
Chief Inspector Simon Wright who is the Area Commander based at Johnstone said:
“As Area Commander, one of the geographical areas which I am responsible for policing is the large section of rural land, estates, farms and the villages of Renfrewshire. As such I felt it important to dedicate rural policing officers who would be able to provide greater visibility across our harder to reach areas whilst building stronger links with the community.
“These officers will be seen on cycle and foot patrols within the villages and will carry out mobile patrols across the various estates, farms and rural road network.
“The officers will be making themselves known to the community, farms and estates whilst on patrols over the next few months and I foresee them being a real asset and integrating well into the local community.