Postcards urge tip-offs on burglars

POLICE are distributing postcards asking residents for information on housebreakers in the wake of a blitz against serial thieves in the Capital.

Officers have sent out the postcards, which feature the message “Christmas Behind Bars For Thieves”, following the success of Operation Accessible targeting offenders.

The postcards, which depict a burglar wearing a Santa hat with an iPod in his swag bag, urge residents to contact police or Crimestoppers with tip-offs on the identity of housebreakers.

Raids on the homes of housebreakers on Tuesday and Wednesday saw 24 suspects arrested and £200,000 of stolen property recovered.

Dozens of officers took part in the swoops in areas including Drylaw, Granton, Broomhouse, Wester Hailes and Carrick Knowe.

The postcards also include advice for residents to help guard against break-ins, such as fitting deadlocks to external doors, fitting burglar alarms and security lights, and restricting access to back gardens.

Officers have asked neighbourhood watch coordinators to distribute the postcards within their local communities.