Officers from the Galston Community Policing Team are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to double check when securing their vehicles.
The advice comes after a 35 year old man was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning (28th April 2017) for allegedly stealing items from within a motor vehicle in Priestland near Darvel. The man was held in custody to appear at Court and a full report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A spokesperson for the Galston Community Policing Team said: “We are currently investigating a number of incidents over recent weeks where items have been stolen from within motor vehicles in the Irvine Valley area with a number of vehicles also being targeted in and around the area of Loudoun Hill. “Officers will continue to conduct proactive patrols in these areas however we are also appealing for the help of the public, both in terms of reporting suspicious activity and taking some simple steps to help prevent your vehicle from being broken into. “These steps include ensuring your vehicle is locked when unattended, not leaving items on display and taking any valuable items out of the car with you. If you have a Sat Nav device, hide the cradle and take the system with you and don’t forget to wipe the suction marks off the window. “We would also advise against parking in isolated or remote areas and whenever possible, parking in busy, well-lit areas covered by CCTV.” The Police Scotland website has a wide range of practical vehicle security advice available at: http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/secure-your-car If you see something suspicious please report it to the police immediately by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Information regarding people involved in criminality, including thefts from vehicles, can also be passed anonymously via the charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111