Most serious crimes in Shetland 'committed by visiting workforce'

Police area commander Stuart Clemenson said the visiting workforce can bring 'a lot of trouble' for officers.

Jenness Mitchell

12th Apr 2022

The vast majority of more serious crimes in Shetland tend not to involve local people, a meeting heard on Monday.

Shetland police area commander Stuart Clemenson told members of Lerwick Community Council that the visiting workforce can bring a “lot of trouble” for officers.

He also said there had been some “alarming incidents” recently.

“A lot of those crimes are coming through the incomers,” he said – such as “the contractors that we have coming into Sullom Voe” and those working on the Viking Energy wind farm.

He specifically mentioned those working for Bam Nuttall, the main contractor behind the transmission link which will connect Shetland to the national grid.

Last month Clemenson praised the company for fully supporting the police’s approach to public order in a small rural community such as Shetland, with officers undertaking an early intervention approach.

At Monday’s meeting the police chief did acknowledge that incoming contractors bring an economic boost to the isles.

Meanwhile Clemenson said he hoped that officers have been a “bit more visible” since he took up post earlier this year.

He also spoke about the increased numbers of people in Lerwick when cruise ships visit.

Monday saw the arrival of the large AIDAsol liner, with swathes of visitors coming ashore.

Clemenson said there were some police officers on foot patrol at the time, and added that the town was “absolutely buzzing”.

He quipped that it was “busier than Sauchiehall Street”.