Police get their wish of a quiet Christmas

EAST Renfrewshire police’s winter initiative has come to an end with a record low of criminal activity in the community’s shopping hotspots.

During the busy Christmas period, six officers were dedicated to provide a presence at the main shopping areas across East Renfrewshire.

Officers were tasked with keeping people safe and providing a visible presence in the areas which included Barrhead Main Street, Neilston, Fenwick Road in Giffnock, Thornliebank Main Street, The Avenue, Broom shops and Clarkston.

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Inspector Alan Dickson told The Extra: “We targeted cash rich outlets such as Bookmakers and post offices with a view to preventing the seasonal upsurge in acquisitive crime which has been seen in the past.

“This element of the operation was very successful with no robberies at all across East Renfrewshire during the period.

Another element of the operation centred on targeting licenced premises and minimising the supply of alcohol to underage persons and those who were already under the influence. The officers carried out in excess of 250 inspections of such premises.

“We also carried out a number of stop search operations which resulted in alcohol, drugs and stolen property being recovered.”

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The officers also reported people for offences ranging from drink driving and driving without insurance to shoplifting and possession of drugs.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, two males were arrested for a number of housebreakings in Clarkston. Following the break ins, a quantity of property was recovered.