John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Candidate for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, ;has organised a Borders wide crime survey to find out what local people think about crime and anti-social behaviour. John launched the survey with Margaret Mitchell MSP who is the Conservatives' Justice Spokesperson in the Scottish Parliament.
;
John said "To represent the views of everyone living in the Borders, it is vital for me to hear the views of as many local people as possible. I often get contacted by local people about anti-social behaviour and crime ; - I know that this impacts on many of our lives on an everyday basis."
;
"After the survey has been completed, I will be speaking to the local police to address how best to deal with the concerns of Borderers."
;
John continued "There is a crime or offence committed in Scotland every two minutes. Since 1999 we have seen an alarming increase in drug crimes, crimes of indecency, handling offensive weapons and vandalism. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have a sorry record of keeping Scotland safe."
Margaret Mitchell MSP added ; “Currently in Scotland there are only 145 police on the beat at any one time. This lack of a police presence is adding to the lack of confidence in our justice system and the belief that the police are not able to help."
“Increasing the number of police on the beat will not only help deter and detect crime, but will give the public the type of policing they demand and need."