LAYING Praise as OAP scammer is caught
WITH DIVISIONAL COMMANDER CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ALAN MURRAY
Over the past couple of weeks there have been a number of significant arrests made across the division by both uniformed and CID officers.
You may recall me mentioning a few weeks ago the rise in telephone banking frauds within the Paisley area.
The thieves deliberately targeted a number of our elderly residents and were so persuasive that they successfully coerced the victims into parting with thousands of pounds in cash.
I’m delighted to say that, after months of extensive enquiries by our CID officers, a 37-year-old male suspect has been arrested.
He has been charged with fraudulently obtaining money from eight elderly residents from both the Paisley and Glasgow areas.
Sa d l y , the v i c t i m s w e re predominantly aged between 80 and 90 years old.
This is a particularly nasty crime aimed at the most vulnerable residents in our communities and I’m pleased with the positive outcome of our investigation.
A second notable arrest occurred recently following a series of malicious hoax telephone calls made to both Police Scotland and our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The calls were made via the emergency 999 system between June and August of this year and included false reports of crimes occurring, injured parties, and buildings on fire.
Extensive enquiries were carried out by the investigating officers, resulting in the identification and apprehension of a 38-year-old male suspect.
The male has been charged with making almost 40 hoax calls over an eight week period. Misusing the 999 system inhibits our response to genuine emergencies and places the lives of others at risk.
All calls to the emergency services are recorded and the number is always traceable, even if the call is made from a withheld number.
Not for the first time unfortunately, last weekend Renfrew saw the influx of 150 vehicles for a ‘cruiser’ modified car meet in Blythswood Industrial estate car park.
These events are arranged over social media and appear to move around the west of Scotland, making it difficult to pinpoint when they are going to happen.
As well as bringing a host of irresponsible and illegal driving to the roads in Renfrewshire, they are in clear breach of Covid-19 guidance around large public gatherings.
To be frank, it beggars belief that at a time when we are all trying hard to reduce covid infections that people are choosing to meet in such large numbers.
My local officers, supported by Roads Policing officers and the Force Reserve Unit, attended and dispersed the event, ensuring there was no further disruption to the community.
I am keen to prevent these events happening in Renfrewshire and would like the public’s help to let us know if they hear or see of any future planned gatherings.
This can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111 or Police Scotland on 101 and I can assure you we do always act on information passed to us and I am continually grateful for the support we receive from the public.
Finally, another request for public assistance.
On Monday morning in Abernethy Drive, Linwood, a man was assaulted after coming to the assistance of two women involved in an altercation with a male.
The suspect is described as white, with a stocky build and hair shaven at the sides, early to mid 30s and wearing a grey and black tracksuit.
It was noted by the victim and witnesses that the suspect was holding a knife and acting aggressively.
When the victim tried to intervene, the perpetrator threatened him, struck him on the head and assaulted one of the women before making off.
My officers attended promptly and while an extensive search was carried out it is believed the suspect might have entered a house in Linwood to evade police.
Again, if you have any information about this incident please contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.