Make sure you do all the checks
The UK dog trade is a multimillion pound industry which is growing rapidly due to the increasing demand for ‘designer’ dogs.
In recent years the industry has been infiltrated by unscrupulous individuals often involved in other criminal activities who sell puppies and kittens obtained from illegal puppy farms.
There are an increasing number of illegal puppy farms now operating in Scotland.
Fraudsters are targeting victims with promises of animals and pet-related products that don’t exist or are not as described. Keep your eyes peeled for fake pet adverts online.
Are you thinking of buying an animal online? Follow our tips to protect yourself: Do your research; Trust your instincts; Choose your payment method wisely.
For more information please visit https://www.tsscot.co.uk/priorityareas/illicit-puppy-trade/
On February 1, as part of an intelligence-led enquiry, officers attended at an address in Larkhall and executed a drugs search warrant.
During the course of the search officers allegedly recovered a total of 190 mature cannabis plants, representing a street value of as much as £168,000. The electricity meter had allegedly been bypassed which put that address and neighbouring properties at risk of fire.
A 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with offences including production of a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and an offence under the Electricity Act 1989.
On February 4, police were called to the Laighstonehall area of Hamilton following a report of a suspicious male.
The caller informed police that the male had been loitering in the area for some time prior to approaching a parked vehicle and allegedly using a tool to cause damage in an apparent attempt to remove the vehicle branding badge.
Officers attended and conducted a search of the area, tracing a male in a garden area.
A 42-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of a bladed weapon and vandalism.
Also on February 4, police were called to the Burnbank area following a report of an aggressive male challenging passers-by to fight, while in possession of a metal pole. The male made off, however a search was conducted and he allegedly brandished a pole towards officers, refusing to comply with instructions. Officers drew their batons and the male surrendered the weapon.
A 34-year-old male was arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
To report matters to the police, call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.