ROYAL Navy and Ministry of Defence Police are continuing to assist with police patrols of Helensburgh town centre on weekends, a report has revealed.

Officers are also increasing opportunities to work with care experienced young people in the area, with a youth engagement officer now dedicated to Helensburgh and Lomond.

An update to local councillors also gives details of a community policing team which is planned to be set up in the area.

The joint patrols between civilian and military police have been ongoing in Helensburgh for some months and were reported to the Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group last month.

Councillors will consider the report at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday, September 20.

Inspector Andy Barron, who is currently deputising for Inspector Roddy MacNeill, said in his report: “Police Scotland, Royal Navy Police and Ministry of Defence Police have established joint patrols of Helensburgh town centre on weekends to promote the safety and wellbeing of members of the public and prevent criminality taking place or escalating.

“The patrols are also being utilised to work with licensed premises, including staff and managers promoting the responsible sale of alcohol.

“The overall objective is to adopt a collaborative approach to provide a safe recreational environment, maximising public safety and reduce anti-social behaviour and disorder.

“The youth engagement officer for the area, PC Mark Toner, is now dedicated solely to the Helensburgh and Lomond area, as an additional post for this work has been created for Dunoon and Cowal.

“This additional capacity will allow us focus on re-establishing previously successful Police Scotland Youth Volunteer groups and to work more closely with care experienced young people to deliver on our responsibilities as a corporate parent.

“We are looking at opportunities to learn from Glasgow’s implementation of the ‘Respect’ programme and options to utilise our youth engagement officers to deliver against the outcomes and provide support and reduce harms for care experienced young people.”

The inspector added: “Adverts are being run at present for officers to apply for a community policing team for the area.

“Development in terms of remit for this proposed department is ongoing and action plans have been drawn up to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug misuse and violence in hot spot areas and increased high visibility patrols in these areas is hoped will increase public confidence and build relationships with local communities.”