Drylaw flat raided by Police

Police in Edinburgh have this morning carried out a series of raids as part of an operation targeting alleged housebreakers in the Capital. Over 100 officers have been involved in raids on 14 addresses in the north and west of the city, and 12 people have been arrested. The enforcement activity comes as part of Operation Accessible, a Lothian and Borders Police initiative targeting those suspected of involvement in housebreakings and other acquisitive crime.  Officers have recovered approximately £200,000 worth of stolen goods during the operation, which has taken place over the past six months.

 In total, around 200 stolen items were recovered, including cars, jewellery, and electrical goods such as computers, televisions and mobile phones.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, ‘A’ Division (City of Edinburgh) Commander, said”Lothian and Borders Police is committed to achieving justice for victims of housebreakings, and preventing such crimes from happening in the first place. This morning’s activity has targeted alleged serial offenders who prey on local communities, and has sent a strong message that their activities will not be tolerated.”

“The Force understands the distressing impact caused by those who break into people’s homes and steal their property, particularly over the festive period. Operation Accessible demonstrates our commitment to protecting the public from those whose activities blight our communities.

“We are continually focusing our efforts on targeting those involved in housebreakings and other acquisitive crime though intelligence, and it’s only a matter of time before they are caught.

“We are seeking information from the public in order to identify individuals involved in such criminality, and we would urge anyone who thinks they have information that can allow us to do so to get in touch. Rest assured that any information received will be acted on, and treated in the strictest confidence.” 

Councillor Paul Edie, Health and Social Care Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Operation Accessible is a fantastic example of great police work and I would like to congratulate all of the officers who have been involved. 

“This operation sends a strong message to housebreakers that they will be caught and brought to justice for their crimes. Breaking into someone’s house and stealing from them at any time of the year is bad enough, but to do so over Christmas is particularly shocking.
“I am urging people to be vigilant this festive period and take steps to make sure that their homes are secure.”

Anyone who has any information about housebreakers and other criminals operating in their community should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.