Cops crackdown on metal thefts
Police Scotland officers stopped 47 drivers during a clampdown on metal theft in Rutherglen last week.
Cambuslang Road was targeted as part of the operation on Wednesday, November 25.
Officers were working in partnership with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency ( VOSA), British Transport Police, North and South Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards Departments and The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Rutherglen road check was one of four across the Lanarkshire area.
Two drivers were warned regarding minor defects and issued vehicle defect instructions while one driver was reported for failing to have an MOT certificate.
VOSA issued four prohibition notices to vehicles and one male was reported for benefit fraud by DWP .
Officers also used the operation as an opportunity to educate drivers about the legislation surrounding scrap metal, which requires dealers and collectors to be licensed by the local authority.
Superintendent Craig Richie from Lanarkshire Division said: “Targeting metal theft is a priority for us and we work together with a number of partners carrying out initiatives to target those involved in this type of crime. We are determined to build on these operations in our fight against metal theft.
“Metal theft can affect everyone in the community, such as the loss of power to homes caused by stolen cables, damage to property from stolen roofing which can also result in financial loss to home owners. Previous thefts in the division include stolen manhole covers, copper piping and lead flashing from roofs, all taken by criminals looking to make a quick profit.
“Figures this year show a reduction of 29 per cent in metal theft from November 2014 to October 2015 compared to the same period in 2013/14.
“These results are a combination of efforts from officers, our partners and members of the public.
“I’d ask everyone to be vigilant to this type of crime and report any suspicious behaviour. If anyone witnesses any suspicious activity such as unmarked vans removing cables, or people collecting metal from gardens with no identification, call Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
The operation came a week after officers targeted dangerous driving in the Westburn area of Cambuslang.
After concerns were raised by residents, 17 drivers were stopped over the week with two being charged in connection with alleged road traffic offences.
Inspector Darren Faulds from the Divisional Road Policing Unit at Lanarkshire said:
“The areas being targeted are subject to speed restrictions but unfortunately, there are a number of drivers who ignore these limits.
“We are aware that dangerous driving continues to be an area of concern for residents in Lanarkshire. There has been eleven fatal road crashes in Lanarkshire this year, compared to six for the same period in 2014. The rise in the number of road fatalities in Lanarkshire is worrying and road safety continues to be a high priority for us. We will continue to robustly enforce the law and engage with drivers during routine patrols and engagement events, to use every opportunity we can to educate drivers on the risks of dangerous driving and its consequences.” The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is warning residents in Rutherglen and Cambuslang to take extra care if using candles if they experience power cuts during winter storms.
Director of Prevention and Protection at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, said:“We know that people often use candles in the home, particularly during power cuts and we would like to remind them to be careful.
“If you are using candles try not to expose yourself to any unnecessary risk of fire. Keep candles on hard flat surfaces and away from any flammable materials such as curtains and upholstery and never leave candles burning if you leave the room, house or go to bed.”
The service is also discouraging the use of gas cooking stoves within the homes. These pose a significant risk and should not be used inside.
You can find out more information about how you can stay safe during a power cut at www.firescotland.gov. uk/media/868522/SFRS_ PowerCuts.pdf