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Community Police Notes
Op Ironworks will continue throughout the season and I look forward to more positive reports.
Telephone scam 9th June 2011
Rural thefts 19th June 2011
A telephone scam has recently come to light whereby householders receive a telephone call from a person claiming to be from BT and demanding immediate payment to prevent the householder's phone being cut off due to an unpaid bill.
Throughout the force area we regularly receive reports of stolen scrap metal and persons in vans or pick-ups going round farms and rural businesses looking to take away scrap. Recently quad bikes and other agricultural machinery have been taken from rural farms and more than likely carried off in vans.
The caller claims to be able to demonstrate that they are from BT by temporarily cutting off the householder's phone. This is done by the caller putting their telephone on mute but remaining on the line to prevent the householder making any outgoing calls. Credit or debit card details are then asked for by the caller. Under no circumstances should you give your personal details or bank details to anyone who calls you at home. Reputable companies and organisation will never ask for these details. If you are in any doubt about a caller terminate the conversation.
Males Arrested For Theft 10th June 2011 th
On 9 June 2011, following a concern call from a member of the public, police attended at a private property in Croftamie. Two males were found on the property with the intention of committing theft. They were also found in possession of stolen goods. They were duly arrested and soon discovering the delights of the police cells at Stirling. They have been charged with various crimes of dishonesty and are appearing at Stirling Sheriff Court from police custody.
These 'scrap collectors' will often ask if they can take scrap but if unchallenged, can take whatever is lying around or come back for something that they think is of value. While some premises may be happy to get rid of scrap there is potential for theft not only from your own premises, but neighbouring businesses or farms. Stolen items have included scrap metals, new cable, fuel from tanks or vehicles, quad bikes and other machinery. We would like to be kept informed of anyone travelling around the area calling at premises. A brief call to the police with type of vehicle and registration number is all that is required. This allows patrols to check out the vehicle and occupants.
*** Anyone with information can contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You can also follow Central Scotland Police on Twitter and Facebook. PC 717 Cummins Drymen ***************************************
In the current economic climate please be aware that scrap metal, or indeed anything can be a target for thieves. If you see anything suspicious please contact the police asap.
PACT Update-Op Ironworks-Camping and Alcohol Bylaws 13th June 2011 st
On 1 June 2011 the new Camping and Alcohol bylaws came into force for East Loch Lomond. There have now been two weekends with the bylaws in rd force, including Friday 3 June when we had the best weather we have seen in a long time. I am delighted to report that in that time we have seen full compliance with the laws. There have been a couple of parties who have attended unaware of the new rules but as soon as they were made aware by NP Rangers or Police they booked into the local formal campsites or the new Forestry site at Sallochy - which has been refurbished and is now open. This has resulted in no instances of reported or observed ASB or crime along East LochLomond. Areas that at one time were more akin to a rubbish tip are clean and tidy. I am also pleased to report that during my Ironworks patrols, while in the Trossachs areas, that while these were fairly busy with campers, they were responsible and not causing any issues. When speaking to these persons none of them stated they had previously used ELL, all stated they were regular visitors to the Trossachs.
The newly refurbished and extended Drymen Church was the setting for a concert given by Milngavie’s Douglas Academy Chamber Choir on Sunday 12th June. The choir is drawn from the senior students of the Academy, not all of whom are studying in the School of Music. Other items included a saxophone quartet and a clarsach solo, and it was a most enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment. The concert was given in aid of Crossroads Caring Scotland, West Stirlingshire branch, and raised the wonderful sum of £856. It was the first non church event to be held in the recently re-opened building which proved to be a magnificent setting for such an occasion. Thanks are due to everyone who made it possible.
The annual collection for Crossroads Caring Scotland will take place during the week beginning Monday 5th September