Police act to protect the environment

POLICE are cracking down on "environmental damage" by targeting vandals, graffiti artists and fly-tippers in the Lothians.

The blitz runs to 11 April and is aimed at all aspects of antisocial behaviour, including graffiti and noise nuisance, which often increase with spring's longer, brighter evenings.

There will be joint police patrolling with environmental wardens in litter hotspots, and extra patrols for areas used for fly-tipping and fireraising.

A police spokesman said: "Through a combination of enforcement and education we aim to prevent and reduce crime in the area."