Brakes need to be put on pavement cyclists
Perth and Kinross area commander Chief Inspector Ian Scott compiled this week’s CrimeBeat column which covers reported crime and police campaigns in the week up to Wednesday, August 23.
If you can help police with any of the appeals, get in touch on 101, or you can speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cycling on pavements
I have received complaints regarding the increased number of cyclists who chose to use the pavement instead of the road. I would like to remind cyclists that it is an offence to ride on a pavement unless it is a designated cycle path.
Not only is cycling on pavements illegal, it is anti-social and creates a risk to pedestrian safety, in particular those with impaired sight.
Cyclists should use the designated cycle lanes which are there to provide a safer route leaving the pavements clear and safer for pedestrians. Rural crimes
In the last few weeks there has been an increase in rural crimes across Perthshire, particularly in the Blairgowrie/Strathmore area, with thefts of equipment, fuel, machinery and even livestock.
While we continue to investigate these crimes on their own merits, I would ask all of our rural communities to continue to be alert to suspicious activities, whether this be on farms, open land, or even roads. Keep in contact with your neighbours and colleagues around the area, and keep an eye out for each other.
If you see or hear of anything that you feel is suspicious or worthy of police attention, don’t hesitate to let us know. Even if a crime isn’t being committed, it’s good to know just who is going around, as they may well be up to no good.
Councillor Peter Barrett, convenor of the housing and communities committee, on learning about the incidents, said: “With the recent spate of rural crimes within Perth and Kinross, particularly in the Blairgowrie and Strathmore area, I would like to remind residents of their personal responsibility to take care of their own property, ensuring buildings are secured and high value items are stored out of sight.
“The local officers are reliant on communities being alert and informing them of any suspicious activity by phoning 101 or if an
Police have received calls about cyclists on pavements incident is ongoing by dialling 999.” Incident updates
A 26-year-old man from Perth appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on August 17 in connection with a substantial fraud. He has been bailed for a later court appearance. Recent incidents
• A black and white Carrera mountain bike was stolen from the close at 196 Strathtay Road, Perth between 2.30pm and 5pm on Wednesday, August 9.
• A black and grey Mongoose mountain bike was stolen from Princes Street, Perth between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday, August 10.
• A black Carrera Subway hybrid bike was stolen from the close at 4 Cromlix Road, Perth between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Friday, August 18.
• Overnight on Wednesday, August 16 a 14ft twin axle vehicle transporter trailer was stolen
Police say scammers are posing as your bank to fool people into transferring cash from a business premises on Arran Road, Perth.
• Also overnight on Wednesday, August 16 vehicles were vandalised at the building site for the new link road near Perth Crematorium.
• Between August 16 and 18 a silver Mercedes and a blue Volvo parked in Muirhall Bank, Perth, were vandalised.
• A black Audi car parked in the car park under the Ice Rink, Glover Street, Perth was extensively damaged between August 1 and 21.
• A break-in and theft took place between August 18 and 20 at the SEPA building, Whitefriars Street, Perth.
• A theft by housebreaking occurred to a property on Main Street, Methven overnight on Wednesday, August 16.
• On Thursday, August 10 a lady in Crieff lost a significant amount of money to a conman who called her claiming to be from her bank requesting she move money to another account. The caller claimed that a member of bank staff was trying to defraud her account and she should not discuss the transactions when attending the bank. This is a recognised tactic of these fraudsters and I would urge all Perth and Kinross residents not to become a victim of these scammers. I have previously reported similar incidents occurring. If you have any suspicions about callers claiming to be from recognised professional organisations, tell them you will phone them back using a different phone and ensure you don’t divulge any personal information.
• Between August 20 and 21 a wing mirror was damaged on a Jaguar car parked in Mitchell Street, Crieff.
• Between August 17 and 18 a window was smashed at Auchterarder Parish Church, High Street, Auchterarder.
• Overnight August 19 into 20 two grey Saracen Mantra Pro mountain bikes were stolen from a vehicle parked in Loch Earn Caravan Park. On the same night a white Enduro YT Industries Capra mountain bike was stolen from the same caravan park.
•A fraud took place at Methven Post office on Wednesday, August 16 when a man asked the cashier to change denominations of bank notes, during the exchange the man removed some notes before requesting his money back, stealing £160.
•A grey Audi motor car parked in Clayton Park, Bridge of Earn was damaged when the paintwork was scratched between August 9 and 11.
• Between August 11 and 17 an attempt was made to break-in to a house on Mayfield Gardens, Milnathort.
• Between 2.30am and 5am on Friday, August 18 a large quantity of copper wiring was stolen after manhole covers were lifted and cable was cut on North Street, Milnathort.
• About 3.30pm on Saturday, August 19 a man, in his late teens or early twenties attempted to rob a 79-year-old lady in Station Road, Kinross.
• The front and rear registration plates bearing the number Y143KCS were stolen from a silver Toyota Yaris parked in a car park off George Street, Coupar Angus between 5am and 11am on Monday, August 14.
• About half past midnight on Monday, August 14 a window was smashed at a property on Hay Street, Coupar Angus.
• At 2.30am on Saturday, August 19 a window was smashed at Haugh Road, Rattray.