Operation Respect - Metal Detection System

15th October 2014

Operation Respect is an ongoing multi-agency partnership initiative which aims to reduce street violence, disorder and incidents linked to licensed premises. Working with key partners in order to make our streets safer and to reduce the risk to the public.

As part of Operation Respect, on Friday 10th October Police Officers deployed a Ferroguard Pole at the entrance to The King's Highway, Weatherspoons licensed premises.

(A Ferroguard pole is a ferromagnetic metal detection system that scans passers by and automatically indicates if any metallic objects are detected).

During the operation;
In excess of 120 patrons were scanned on their way into Wetherspoons and 37 searches were carried out all with negative result.

Sgt Judy Hill said "We are delighted with the success of the operation on Friday night. The licensee, door stewards, patrons and members of the public were extremely positive and receptive to our presence in Wetherspoons.

As we approach the busy festive season, there is no doubt that use of the metal detector at key locations will reassure the majority of people who want to enjoy a safe night out.

There is a strong message here that Police Scotland and our partners will not tolerate weapons of any kind on the streets throughout Highland and Islands in our continued commitment to keeping people safe.

I would like to pass on our thanks and appreciation to the staff at Wetherspoons and Pub & Club door stewards for their support."

This initiative is just one of a number of measures being adopted by Police Scotland and its partner agencies, as part of Operation Respect, to ensure shoppers and revellers are safe from crime throughout the festive season.

Pub Watch Chairman Don Lawson said: "One of my aims as the Chairman of Pub Watch is to provide a safe and secure environment for, not only patrons of licensed premises, but also the staff who work within these premises.

"It doesn't send out the wrong message, it sends out a deterrent. The safest place to go for a drink is a pub."

Malcolm Raeburn, Inverness BID Community Safety Manager, said: "Across Inverness, there are a number of safe licensed premises, all of whom operate with a zero tolerance policy on anti-social and illegal behaviour. The pole will act as a deterrent and as a result members of the public will feel even safer."

Chief Superintendent Julian Innes said: "We do not have a knife culture in Inverness; however we are committed to ensuring that the patrons and staff at licensed premises are kept safe. This initiative underlines the work we are doing with our partners as part of Operation Respect in the city. This will act as a strong deterrent and supplement the intelligence led activity we routinely carry out to detect and report those who are tempted to carry knives or weapons in public places."

The metal detector is to be used at a number of premises over the coming weeks and any other establishment who feel they would benefit from the device should contact crime prevention officers at Burnett Road Police station.