Community Safety

‘Our Scottish Borders, a safer place to live, work and visit’

What is community safety?

The Scottish Borders has low levels of recorded crime with a high solvency rate and we pride ourselves as being one of the safest places to live in the UK, which is reflected in the view of the community. However, rather than become complacent, we would like to further enhance the safety of all people living, working and visiting our area.

Community Safety is responsible for:

The Scottish Borders Community Safety Forum is a partnership which is dedicated to enhancing the safety of the Scottish Borders. It brings together a range of organisations with an interest or responsibility for making the Scottish Borders the safest place to live, work and visit. By working collectively we can ensure our services complement each other, make best use of the resources and ultimately deliver better results. The Partnership does not belong to any one agency, although it is presently based from Scottish Borders Council headquarters.

What are the top priorities?

The Community Safety Strategy 2007-2010 document produced by the Community Safety Partnership sets out the key priorities for the next three years in order to create a safe and secure environment in which individuals, families and communities can realise their potential.

We all have the right to live in the safest environment we can, and through the implementation of this strategy we can work together to:

Reduce crime and the fear of crime including antisocial behaviour
Tackle drug and alcohol misuse
Improve home, road and fire safety
Tackle domestic abuse
Promote equality and diversity within our community.

Can anyone help?

The Scottish Borders Joint Community Safety Panels are made up of local volunteers. The aim of the panel is to promote and develop the community led approach to community safety, with a particular focus on formulating actions that will benefit people living, working and visiting the Scottish Borders.

Membership is open to all organisations within the local community. If you would like further information on becoming a member of your Community Safety Panel, please contact: Sgt Gordon Smith, Safer Communities, Hawick Police Station – 01450 375051

Contact the Community Safety Team

Chief Inspector Paula Clark
Safer Communities Manager
Chief Executive’s Department
Council Headquarters
Newtown St Boswells
MELROSE
Tel: 01835 825369

Paul Richardson
Community Safety Officer
Address as above
Tel: 01835 825058

Colin Bain
Anti Social Behaviour Officer
3 Exchange Street
Jedburgh
Tel: 01835 869695