CRIME BEAT Sectarian remarks made in town centre

Two foul-mouthed men were arrested in Airdrie town centre after being heard uttering vile sectarian remarks.

The thoughtless pair – aged 24 and 34 – had earlier been seen by police behaving in a disorderly manner on Hallcraig Street last Friday.

They were taken into custody and are due to appear in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Inspector Steven Miller, of Airdrie Police, added: “Both males were heard to say comments believed to be religiously motivated and likely to cause alarm and annoyance to others.”

Aggressive to cops

Behaving aggressively towards cops led to a 42-year-old man spending time behind bars last weekend.

Officers attended a property on Pine Quadrant in Chapelhall last Friday evening in relation to a disturbance.

On arrival, the constables were confronted by the quicktempered male who adopted and maintained an aggressive demeanour.

He was later arrested and taken into police custody ahead of an appearance at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Boy racers off the road

Police put the brakes on a gang of boy races causing havoc in Airdrie town centre.

Local officers were assisted by their road policing colleagues in warning the speeding yobs during the late evenings of last Friday and Sunday.

Inspector Miller told the Advertiser: “This course of action was undertaken following reports from members of the public regarding speeding vehicles and boy racers congregating the Gartlea Retail Park area.

“A number of people were warned and informed of the local concern their activities bring.

“Local officers from Airdrie will continue to monitor this area over the coming week.”

Street drinking quintet

Five men were reported for street drinking offences in Glenboig last Friday.

The brazen quintet – aged between 28 and 42 – were confronted by police officers who were contacted by concerned villagers.

Inspector Miller said: “Reports were received from members of the public about this group drinking in the street and officers attended the scene to deal with the matter.”

Drink-driver arrested

A 34-year-old was arrested for drink-driving offences near a popular, busy entertainment complex.

The foolish motorist recklessly got behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol in the area surrounding Showcase Cinema in Baillieston last Sunday night.

Inspector Miller added: “Police officers responded to reports of a suspicious male and as a result of police enquires, the man has been reported to the procurator fiscal for drinkwithin driving related offences.”

Crime crackdown

Airdrie Police apprehended seven people over the weekend following a crackdown on crimes of dishonesty, antisocial behaviour and disorder.

Patrols will continue over the next week in the town centre and Inspector Miller is appealing for the public’s help in bringing further offenders to justice – and to adhere to parking restrictions.

He said: “Seven people being reported for such crimes and offences is excellent proactivity by local officers as they continue to provide reassurance through a visible policing presence within Airdrie town centre during the late evening weekend periods.

“I would again urge members of the public utilising the town centre amenities to make use of the designated car parks and to adhere to the parking restrictions in place for the benefit of all town centre users.

“PC Daryl Robertson and PC Lauren McKnight will again this week undertake patrols to ensure adherence to parking restrictions.”

Triple town patrols

Officers from Coatbridge Police are to patrol three areas of the town over the next week.

Inspector Louise Brownlie will continue to focus her team’s patrols in and around Bargeddie, Greenend and Carnbroe in response to incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Brownlie will also ensure patrols of open spaces and public parks are undertaken.

Residents of all three areas with concerns are invited to speak with the officers, or call Coatbridge Police on 101 with any information.

Both males were heard to say comments believed to be religiously motivated and likely to cause alarm