Don’t make it easy for criminals

Recent incidents suggest that there has been an increase in opportunistic thefts from vehicles and houses at various times of the day and night.

Leaving mobile phones, bags and any other valuables in clear view in your car, or on a windowsill at home, runs the risk of a break-in.

Place your valuables out of sight under your seat, or better still in the boot. On the run-up to Christmas there is always an increase in thefts as the shops are busier and shoppers can let their guard down as the only thing on their mind is to get those gifts purchased in time for the festive season.

Watch out for pick-pockets as they generally work as a team of three or more people. Shops will generally have more staff and security on over the festive period, however we can all help by being more alert to the risks.

Some of you will do your shopping online, but be aware of the scammers who have attempted recently to defraud a local lady out of cash.

The scam involves a phone call claiming they are calling from HMRC, and that if there is a failure to pay an outstanding tax debt then this can result in a prison sentence. The recipient of the call is instructed to attend at a Post Office and purchase Pay Save vouchers and post them off to a mailbox address.

Crimes highlighted this week have been a break-in at a house in Hawthorn Gardens, Larkhall, overnight between November 4 and 5, where the back door glass panel was smashed, someone entered and items were stolen. Tools owned by the householder had been left outside and apparently used by the perpetrator to interfere with security lighting and gain entry.

Make it as difficult as possible for them and keep all garden tools especially spades, out of sight as these can be used to force open patio doors.

Similarly, in Machanhill, a man was disturbed in the front garden of a house by the residents.

The incident occurred at 5.10pm on Friday, November 3, and the man had walked up a long driveway to stare in the house window before being challenged.

He fell running from the scene and is described as 5ft 10ins, aged 20-25, wearing dark blue jeans and grey top with the hood up.

In Hamilton, a break-in occurred at Motehill, where access was gained through a window, setting off the house alarm.

A paving slab, which was unused in the garden, was put to use by the thief to help him get up to the window.

This occurred between 4pm and 7pm on Thursday, November 2, and although there is no description of the suspect, it shows it’s not just during the night these types of crime occur.

At 10.15pm on Friday, November 3, a man and woman left Blantyre train station and were attacked by two young males who were described as being in their early 20s, wearing black clothing. One of them was carrying a white carrier bag. No weapons were used and the motive is unknown at this time.

Call police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.