On behalf of the team, Protective Services Manager Paul Bannister accepted the award for Outstanding External Partner in the Divisional Excellence Awards from Q Division Commander, Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell.

The award acknowledges the high levels of effective partnership working and liaison the team have undertaken with Police partners over the last year, and particularly the engagement and streamlined approach to managing the enforcement of Covid legislation.

“We have a long-standing partnership with Q Division of Police Scotland to address a number of issues including bogus traders, doorstep crime and trade in counterfeit goods,” Paul Bannister said.

“This joint approach has been effective in tackling crime in North Lanarkshire and protecting the rights and welfare of local residents.

“I would like to thank Police Scotland for this award, and to commend all the staff within my service for their hard work and dedication, particularly over the last 18 months in dealing with the many challenges we have faced as a result of the Covid pandemic.”