Searches of visitors at YOI

Mounted police officers were part of a team carrying out a joint operation to check and search visitors to Polmont Young Offenders Institution.
A joint operation took place at Polmont YOIA joint operation took place at Polmont YOI
A joint operation took place at Polmont YOI

Last week’s initiative saw Forth Valley Police and Scottish Prison Service (SPS) staff work together both inside and outside the perimeter.

The aim of Operation Trossachs was to prevent, detect and disrupt those intent on smuggling drugs or other banned items into the prison.

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A number of vehicle stops and person searches were completed during the course of the operation.

Colin Mitchell of SPS said: “HMYOI Polmont holds approximately 500 young persons aged between 16-21 years from all over Scotland. We work tirelessly to achieve a safe environment within the prison which is attained by preventing and intercepting the supply of drugs, weapons and mobile phones.”

Sergeant Craig Heron of Police Scotland added: “We regularly work closely with our partners in the SPS to tackle the issue of drugs and other items being carried into prison. This includes New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) which have a similar effect and can be just as dangerous as more common drugs.

“Officers on mounted and road patrols outside HMYOI Polmont enhance our presence and deter others from engaging in criminal activity. Operation Trossachs allows us to carry out activity on a regular basis ensuring we maximise our chances of apprehending offenders but also serves to deter crime occurring in the first place.”

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Anyone who has information linked to the above or observes suspicious activity around the prison estate should call police on 101 or Prison Watch on 01324 777 323. Alternatively, you can remain anonymous and contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.