Police praise vandalism blitz success

A CRACKDOWN on vandalism in West Lothian saw a 60 per cent drop in the number of complaints about the offence.

Police chiefs said the drop in vandalism reports was joined by a reduction in fireraising incidents between 1 and 14 April – they fell by a third compared with the same period last year.

In addition, police said there had been almost a ten per cent decrease in youth calls throughout West Lothian during the two-week blitz against antisocial behaviour.

Lothian and Borders Police, West Lothian Council and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service worked together to target trouble hotspots.

Inspector Stephen Elliot, from West Lothian Community Safety Unit, said: "We have enjoyed so much success over the past two weeks that we will continue to tackle antisocial behaviour together in the long-term."

West Lothian Council leader Peter Johnston said: "I am pleased the council and its partners are having a real impact on reducing antisocial behaviour."