CRIME BEAT Fox snares foiled by mountain bikers
This week’s CrimeBeat column was compiled by local area commander Chief Inspector Ian Scott.
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
AWARENESS
The start of February is upon us already and this month I would like to make you aware of the LGBT History Month.
Perth and Kinross Council have an extensive programme of activities planned including film screenings, sporting events, themed displays within the AK Bell Library and for youths adventure weekends at Willowgate.
This month also saw, on Tuesday, February 6, Safer Internet Day, which was supported by policing community teams who were in schools engaging with children and teachers to encourage a better internet.
Their message is “Create, Connect and Share Respect : A better internet starts with you”. On that note I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a few key internet safety messages for using your smart phones secure.
Smart phones can get ransomware spread by visiting compromised websites, downloading fake versions of apps, and opening malicious links and attachements in phishing emails. Once on your phone, ransomware can hold your data and device hostage for a price.
What you can do:
• Keep you data backed up frequently and update all your apps and operating system regularly.
• Avoid shopping in third party app stores.
• If you can install a mobile security app which will alert you if your device has been compromised.
• Be wary of emails and websites that look suspicious or sound too good to be true.
• Don’t grant admistrator rights to anybody.
• DON’T pay the ransom. You will be financing criminals and encouraging them to continue their illegal activities.
INCIDENT UPDATES
On Monday, February 5, at Barvick Brae, Glenturret a number of fox snares have been damaged over a number of weeks as a result of mountain bikes going over lines of snares.
Over the past two weekend periods, a number of motor vehicles have been damaged in Brompton Terrace, Perth. This is now being investigated by the CIU and a number of positive lines of enquiry establish along with future deterrent work ongoing with the local Perth Community Team.
Recent incidents
Between 1am and 4am on Friday, February 2, at Cameron Audi, Dunkeld Road, Perth, two motor vehicles had alloy wheels removed and stolen.
Between Thursday, February 1, at 4.30pm and 8.30pm on Friday, February 2, a dog was chasing sheep at Braco Castle Estate, Dunblane, and thye dog brought a sheep to the ground, killing it by biting its neck.
On Friday, February 2, between 3pm and 11.15pm a motor vehicle was damaged at Wellbank house, Dundee Road, Perth.
Between 8pm on Saturday, February 3, and 9.15am Sunday, February 4, a set of wheel trims and windscreen wipers were stolen from a vehicle yparked within a car park at Breadalbane Hotel, Aberfeldy.
Between 11am and 9pm on Monday, February 5, heating oil was stolen from a tank in Abbey Lane, Errol.
A number of fox snares have been damaged over a number of weeks