COMMUNITIES have been urged to share their concerns on drug dealing taking place in Helensburgh, Bute and Cowal with police.

A report has also revealed that acquisitive crime across the division has decreased, with fraud reduced by 65 per cent.

Officers have also underlined their commitment to reducing deaths on the roads by targeting drivers who are speeding or under the influence of drink or drugs.

The details feature in a report which will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Bute and Cowal community planning group at its meeting on Tuesday, November 5.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Cowal, Bute and Helensburgh benefits from a dedicated specialist resource, the serious and organised crime team (SOCT).

“These specialist officers are supported by dedicated intelligence officers in taking a proactive approach to tackling serious and organised crime in our communities.

“We have been upskilling officers across our policing division, ensuring they understand and appreciate the importance of community intelligence and information.

“Through intelligence led policing, officers are able to apply to the courts for sheriff search warrants and take positive action in the detection and disruption of those involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs.

“Community information is key for us and may just provide us with the last piece of evidence required to apply to the courts for a warrant.

“We encourage our communities to share concerns and suspicions around drug dealing either by calling 101 or by reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website and online form.”

The spokesperson added: “Although local crime statistics are currently on a downward trajectory, acquisitive crime continues to be a priority.

“Police in the area remain aware that crimes such as theft by shoplifting are nationally increasing due to socio-economic factors, including the cost-of-living crisis. Frauds have decreased slightly, compared with the previous year to date.

“However, the preventions team remains committed to working with organisations and individuals with their fraud prevention initiatives and we ask that the community remain vigilant regarding particular issues, such as, bogus workmen and online scams.

“Across Argyll and Bute we are committed to reducing road deaths by targeting the five main causes of fatal road accidents. These include speeding, being unfit to drive through drink or drugs, seatbelts and driver distraction.

“Our officers will continue to pro-actively engage through education and enforcement. Our officers are all trained in the use of hand help speed detection devices and will always look for opportunities to target areas of concern throughout the course of their shift.

“For this year to date, across our area (including Helensburgh and Lomond) 40 persons have been reported with being unfit to drive through drink or drugs or have refused to supply a specimen when required to do so. These numbers remain on par with the five-year average but are down on last year’s numbers.”