Police Scotland launches awareness campaign amid ‘upward trend’ in vehicle theft

During the past year, when the country was subject to a range of Covid-19 restrictions, including lockdown, Police Scotland saw recorded crime fall.

But as crime rates return to pre-Covid levels, officers are now seeing a rise in the number of cars, vans and motorcycles being stolen, or having items stolen from them.

Figures released in May showed theft from a motor vehicle had fallen by 35 per cent compared with 2020, while vehicle theft fell by five per cent in the past year as coronavirus restrictions came into force.

However, Police Scotland said attempted theft of vehicles has now increased by six per cent across the country and, in a number of divisions, there has also been an increase in the number of vehicles successfully stolen.

Officers are now urging the public to take appropriate security measures in respect of their vehicles and valuables within, to try to prevent further victims of these crimes.

Police Scotland will be using its social media channels to run an awareness raising campaign to prevent vehicles being targeted by criminals.

Detective Superintendent Joyce Greenhorn, Police Scotland’s acquisitive crime lead, said: “With people now able to spend increased time away from their homes again, be it to go on holiday, or returning to other activities, the number of instances of vehicles being subject to criminal activity has risen.

“We are treating this upward trend with the utmost seriousness and want to provide communities with all the information they require to help stop their vehicles and property being targeted.

“We will be using our social media channels to provide crime prevention advice over the coming weeks.”