Housebreakings have dropped by a quarter in the year in one unexpected benefit of the lockdown keeping people at home.
Linlithgow Local Area Committee heard local Community Sergeant Iain Wells outline as part of his quarterly report: “Housebreaking is down more than 25% on the year end”.
Local officers have also been working in partnership with the council and national bodies against bogus callers and dodgy tradesmen who prey on the vulnerable.
A series of anti-scam campaigns started during the last lockdown and these are continuing.
A report to the committee said: “The number of reported crimes of dishonesty has decreased in particular domestic housebreakings being down about a quarter on the previous year.
“Following investigations into a series of thefts from motor vehicles, a number of local people have been reported for multiple offences.”
The report added: “As part of the ‘Made From Crime’ Campaign, Community Officers worked alongside Trading Standards and SFRS to set up Crime Prevention packs regarding information and advice on bogus workmen, telephone/online scams and fire safety.
“These were thereafter distributed to vulnerable groups by West Lothian Police Scotland Youth Volunteers. Furthermore, we posted a variety of social media posts offering online advice, in particular in relation to rogue traders (with Trading Standards colleagues), Bogus workmen and online/email scams. These continued online with further prevention activities planned as restrictions are relaxed. Local Community Officers continue to provide regular articles for local publications to further highlight the local policing priorities and crime prevention advice.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/
