Man charged after series of break-ins as Crimestoppers launches awareness campaign

A 54-year-old man's been arrested and charged after a series of break-ins to home and businesses in the north east,

They happened in Inverurie, Nigg and Cults.

He was due in court today.

DC Lewis Ingram said: “Housebreaking is a horrible crime and tackling it remains a priority for North East Division.

“As the evening get darker earlier, I would ask members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any suspicious activity to us so appropriate action can be taken.”

The news comes as Crimestoppers launched a campaign on housebreaking.

The charity is telling people to keep their properties safe and help protect the most vulnerable in their communities.

It's also urging people to speak up if they know of or have witnessed suspicous activity in their area.

In 2021-22, there were 8,489 recorded housebreaking crimes, but with Christmas fast approaching and the country experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, Police Scotland warn of an increase.

Angela Parker, Scotland national manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Housebreaking is not a victimless crime. It’s traumatic to lose valuable and personally important items from your home – and the emotional shock of having your property invaded can also be deeply upsetting. 

“Criminal gangs can target the most vulnerable in communities and our campaign aims to gather information about who is behind house theft.

“When you contact us, we won’t judge or ask any personal details. All we want to know is what you know. We guarantee you’ll remain 100% anonymous. Always.

"If you have any information about people who have recently moved into Scottish communities to sell drugs, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the charity’s website and fill in the  simple and secure anonymous online form. By working together we can help keep our homes and communities safe.”

Detective Superintendent Andy Patrick, Police Scotland’s acquisitive crime lead, said: “Housebreaking is an extremely invasive crime, which can have a devastating impact on victims long after the offence has been committed.

“Police Scotland treats all reports of housebreaking with the utmost seriousness, and we have dedicated teams who specifically investigate such crimes to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Our communities have a vital role to play in preventing housebreaking by taking appropriate steps to safeguard their homes, businesses, and outbuildings, such as garages and sheds. We have a range of useful crime prevention advice available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk.

“Similarly, I would also encourage the public to report any suspicious activity they witness within their community to police, or should they have information relating to a planned housebreaking, then contact us via 101, or Crimestoppers in complete anonymity. In an emergency always use 999.”