Police look for ways to stop festive theft

Officers will be a constant presence in shopping areas across East Renfrewshire in the run up to Christmas.

Each weekday, between 10am and 6pm, two officers will be dedicated to Fenwick Road and Thornliebank, two more will be stationed at Barrhead Main Street and Neilston, while two further officers will cover Clarkston, The Avenue and Broom shops.

On the weekend, the force will reschedule rest days to ensure a continuity of cover.

Inspector Alan Dickson told The Extra: “Our officers will be on foot, and highly visible to reassure the public. At this time of year, there is always an upturn in inquisitive crime.

“People are desperate in the run up to Christmas and we will do whatever it takes to address this situation and make sure East Renfrewshire’s central shopping areas remain safe.”

In other news this week, a skimming device has been found on an ATM machine on Fenwick Road. The small digital camera located on the machine is used to record the pin number, while a loop device retains the card in the machine.

Inspector Dickson added: “This was a persistent problem several months ago but it seemed to have died away. It is unfortunate this problem has resurfaced.

“Please make police or bank staff aware if you notice any foreign object on an ATM machine.”

Elsewhere, forged bank notes have been used in both gambling machines and self service tills across East Renfrewshire in recent weeks.