Top tips to deter sneaky thieves

We at Police Scotland hope that 2023 has been favourable to you all and wish you all well as we head towards spring time.

Are you in the dark about housebreaking?

Your home could be a target for wouldbe thieves if not secured. Housebreakers will take advantage of poor security.

Here are some tips on how to keep your home secure:

■ Don’t leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or anywhere else an intruder may easily find them.

■ Always ensure that your keys are well out of sight/reach of letterboxes and windows.

■ Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in the house. If you must, then put it in various locations.

■ Security mark your property with a UV marker pen.

■ It is advisable to lock your doors and windows, even when you are in the house.

■ Fit timer switches to lights in living areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.

■ Angle all blinds so that the light will get out but no-one can see in.

■ Make sure lighting outside the house covers all aspects, particularly doors and windows.

■ Ensure your garage and shed is always secured.

■ Always be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

Over the last month there has been a spate of shopliftings reported to the police in both the Palace Grounds Retail Park and the Douglas Retail Park, Hamilton. At the weekend the Local Community Team attended at a number of addresses where arrests were made in relation to these shopliftings after persons had been identified from CCTV.

Three of the persons arrested have now been remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, we look forward to attending Hamilton Our Town’s next event on April 1 and then their Easter event on April 8, both on Quarry Street We look forward to assisting.

If you have any relevant information or matters you feel should be reported to the police, you can do so by calling 101 or via crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

For any additional advice please visit www.scotland.police.uk and the non-emergency number is 101. The emergency number is 999.