Over forty officers have been deployed today as part of Operation RAC, Police Scotland’s response to housebreaking in the capital and
officers attended addresses in North Edinburgh to target known suspects.
A 17-year-old man has today been arrested for two thefts of motor vehicle while a 15-year-old male has been arrested for theft of a motor vehicle, theft and driving offences.
Housebreaking has become a key priority in Edinburgh following an increase in the number of incidents since the beginning of the year. Police believe there are a core group of around 30 individuals who are responsible for many of the incidents.
Officers are taking proactive steps to tackle the problem including having officers dedicated to Operation RAC, who are already seeing significant results.
Since Tuesday, March 16, police have made 62 arrests for domestic housebreaking and 44 arrests for theft of motor vehicle. 245 charges have been brought for housebreaking along with 59 charges for theft of motor vehicle.
Over the last two days, officers have arrested 14 individuals in connection with housebreaking in the city. They are also taking steps to tackle housebreaking through social media by posting photos and the registration numbers of outstanding vehicles.
Superintendent Matt Richards said: “We are dealing with audacious criminals who have no respect for the property and boundaries of others.
“We are tackling this problem head on and it is currently a top priority. However we need the support of the public in order for Operation RAC to be successful. We would ask the public to vigilant and report any suspicious activity they see in their area at night.
“We would also make this direct appeal to the public – when going on holiday, do not make your home an easy target. Don’t leave delivered items and bins outside as the make your home look empty. We would also recommend the use of timed lights.
“By working together we can achieve Operation RAC’s ultimate aim – a reduction in housebreakings.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
