Reminder to protect property
This week officers in Larkhall and Hamilton have made some notable arrests in relation to theft by housebreaking and theft of motor vehicles.
Just before midnight on November 16, a 15-year-old boy was seen within gardens in Machan Road, Larkhall, allegedly with the intent to steal and was arrested shortly after by police, apparently hiding in a car.
A 17-year-old male was also arrested on November 16, having allegedly been found hiding in a garden with a tool in his possession. He was also charged with breaching curfew bail conditions, was kept in custody and appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
Following a report of a theft of a car in Millheugh Brae, overnight between November 16 and 17, officers recovered the vehicle on Myrtle Lane and two males aged 17 and 15 were arrested. The older male appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, November 20.
Also, shortly after midnight on November 18, on Castlehill Crescent, Hamilton, two males aged 21 and 15 were arrested after allegedly being disturbed with a motor vehicle, having stolen the keys for the vehicle by breaking into the owner’s house. Police arrested the males nearby and the older male appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, November 20.
In the early hours of the morning of November 21, a 25-year-old male was arrested in Priory Crescent, Blackwood for allegedly breaking into a house to steal a motor vehicle. It appears keys may have been obtained from within the house, which has enabled entry and vehicle keys were removed. He was detained by residents until police arrived. Police believe there may have been two others males present who made off. The accused was arrested and appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on November 22.
We have also seen a rise in housebreakings in the Lesmahagow area this week, both in the town itself and to some rural premises nearby, so I would ask residents to be particularly vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police. Police have obtained CCTV footage from one of the break-ins and are attempting to identify those responsible.
There is an increased risk of theft in the run-up to the Christmas period, but the above incidents show that the police, with the assistance of members of the public do have good success at arresting criminals. Our detection rate for housebreakings is not 100 per cent, but I am confident that we do catch all housebreakers routinely active within in our area.
When caught, we will question them about any outstanding crimes and try and recover stolen property where possible.
We are seeking any information following the theft of a BMW from Camnethan Street, Stonehouse, on the evening of November 17.
The vehicle was recovered, damaged, and found at Strutherhill Industrial Estate.
If you saw any suspicious involving a BMW at either location, please let us know.