Shetland police prioritize high-harm crime over anti-social behavior

Shetland area commander Chris Sewell has outlined the police force's current priorities and the various methods used by traffickers to smuggle illicit substances into the islands. According to Sewell, drugs enter the region through several routes, most notably via the airport, ferry terminals, and the postal service, as well as through fishing and pleasure vessels.

Sewell emphasized that policing in the islands is intelligence-led, utilizing resources like the charity Dogs Against Drugs to provide tactical advantages in targeting criminals. He noted that while anti-social behavior is highly visible and attracts significant public attention, the police must prioritize higher-harm crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, and drug trafficking.

Addressing concerns regarding anti-social behavior in Lerwick, Sewell stated that incident levels in Shetland are relatively low and comparable to, or even lower than, other parts of Scotland, despite the high visibility of certain town-center incidents.