Speak up as part of new campaign

With the Covid-19 lockdown slowly easing in Monklands, Crimestoppers is using the opportunity to connect with communities and companies by appealing for people to report what they know about crime against commercial outlets anonymously.

As shops and businesses in Airdrie and Coatbridge try to cope with the devastating financial impact of the pandemic, the last costly disruption they need is having premises ransacked, with essential items or equipment damaged or stolen.

And it’s not just break-ins that affect businesses; fly-tipping and fire-raising can seriously impact a company’s ability to reopen.

Crimestoppers’#ClosedtoCrime campaign aims to raise awareness and drive people to report what they know about crime against local businesses, from shops and company premises to factories and warehouses.

They play a crucial role in the fabric of society with many staff in these businesses now classed as key workers providing essential services.

Rodger Holden, director of business development at Crimestoppers, said:“Local businesses play an essential role in providing services and employment to the local and wider community.

“But as shops, warehouses and factories are closed or struggling to return to normal with reduced opening hours due to the pandemic, criminals are exploiting the crisis by breaking in to commercial premises.

“Fire-raising attacks and fly-tipping are also incredibly harmful as the company has to incur significant costs; this could affect their future stability even further.

“You can help keep shops and local industry open for business but #ClosedtoCrime.

“Please keep your eyes and ears open, and if you see or hear anything, or know someone involved in commercial burglary, arson or fly-tipping, please speak up; people’s jobs and local services depend on it.

“If you know something, please contact our charity and tell us what you know whilst staying 100 per cent anonymous. Always.”

People with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or use the anonymous online form at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org.