Reports of rural thefts continue

In the past week there have been a number of notable thefts committed in rural locations, including the theft of around 1000 litres of diesel fuel from two sites near Douglas West and Wilsontown.

In addition, we have received reports of thefts of aluminium hurdles and gates from farms in Symington and Strathaven.

The distances between locations and the weight and bulk of the property stolen tells us that those involved are using vehicles with specialist equipment, and the isolated locations suggest that the offenders have knowledge of exactly where to locate the property and when to attend in order to have sufficient time to steal it. We would like to remind the public to be mindful should they see vehicles on or travelling through backroads or other isolated locations at unusual times, or if they see people on sites at unusual times such as through the night. If you have any information or are suspicious of vehicles or persons please contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, if you have any relevant information or matters you feel should be reported to the police, you can do so by calling 101, or via Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

On October 21, Lanarkshire officers, having received information, attended an address in Stonehouse and executed a drugs search warrant.

A male was traced within the address and officers recovered 225g of heroin with an estimated street value of £7000.

A 47-year-old male has been charged with allegedly being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

On October 21, a male entered a shop on Laighstonehall Road, Hamilton, and while waiting in line to be served allegedly became aggressive towards the shop staff. He was asked to leave at which point he was allegedly abusive and used racist language, placing the shop staff in alarm such that they made emergency contact with police. Following enquiries, a 38-year-old male was arrested and has been charged.

On October 23, a male allegedly set a fire on a patch of grass directly bordering a petrol station forecourt on Glasgow Road, Blantyre. A member of the public extinguished the fire and asked the male to leave, however the male then set allegedly fire to a nearby plastic traffic cone. Police were contacted and a 51-year-old male was arrested and has been charged with wilful fire raising.

On October 26, Lanarkshire officers attended an address in Hamilton and executed a drugs search warrant. Officers recovered dealer quantities of cannabis and cocaine.

A 39-year-old male has been charged with allegedly being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.