Housebreaking crackdown continues

A MAJOR police operation targeting housebreakers continued this morning with a further nine raids on properties across the Capital.

More than 70 police officers targeted homes in Drylaw, Granton, Broomhouse, Wester Hailes and Carrick Knowe during the 6am swoops.

At least seven people were today arrested as part of Operation Accessible, which has seen officers recover around 200 stolen items in the past six months.

It follows 17 arrests yesterday morning after 107 police officers raided 14 properties, recovering several items including around £11,000 in cash from a Broomhouse property.

Lothian and Borders Police have recovered around £200,000 worth of stolen goods, including cars, jewellery and electrical goods.

Today, officers revealed that around 40 out of the 200 items recovered remain unclaimed. They have appealed for the owners to come forward.

Unclaimed items include DJ equipment, a Waltham pocket watch, a Giant mountain bike and a Toshiba laptop.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, “A” Division Commander, said: “These items were recovered by officers over the past six months, and we are hoping that we can reunite at least some of the goods with their rightful owners.

“I would urge anyone who thinks that any of these items may have been stolen from them to get in touch.

“This morning’s activity is further indication of our commitment to take robust action against alleged serial offenders suspected of housebreaking.

“Lothian and Borders Police are determined to protect the public from criminals whose activities blight local communities, and preventing crime from happening in the first place.

“Operation Accessible has delivered a strong message that we will proactively target housebreakers and other criminals, and that offenders will be brought to justice.

“We continue to rely on information from the public regarding suspected housebreakers and other criminals operating in local communities, and we urge anyone with such information to contact us.”

Today, 17 people are due to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court following yesterday’s raids.

Images of the items are available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and members of the public who think the stolen property belongs to them are urged to contact police by e-mailing [email protected]