New season can bring new crime danger

Ch Insp Ian Scott

Make sure you put all tools and equipment into a secured shed or garage afterwards. Someone looking to break into a house could use your tools to do so, whether it’s a ladder to gain entry through an upstairs window or a tool to force a doorframe, so put them away after use.

Items in sheds and garages are very expensive. Bicycles and power tools are portable so they are easy to quickly remove and transport in a car or van.

Make sure that your outbuilding security is sufficient for your needs. More robust locks and shed alarms are available and don’t advertise your valuables by leaving them on display through a window.

Mark your property using methods like UV pens or protective marking solutions. Take note of serial numbers and photograph them too. These can all be used to reunite you with your possessions should they be recovered after a housebreaking.

Livestock

During the day on Wednesday, March 21, there were two livestock worrying incidents in a field in the Forgandenny area and a field in the Cromlix area.

If you are a dog walker in the rural areas please ensure that your dog is under control. Livestock worrying can result in immense suffering to the animals and financial and emotional impact to the farmers.

Please ensure your dog is under close control at all times and avoid going into fields where there is livestock.

A dog’s natural instinct is to chase so consider what will tempt your dog to run off and, if required, use a short lead to ensure proper control.

For further information go to www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/ Practical-guide/public/dog-walking.