MORE than 350 people have been charged in the first phase of the Operation Quarterlight crackdown on vehicle crime across Scotland.
Police Scotland said since its launch in November 2014, nearly 900 vehicle related crimes have been detected, with rates increasing across most of the country.
Quarterlight currently has particular focuses in six divisions around Scotland , Forth Valley, Edinburgh, Argyll and West Dunbartonshire, Greater Glasgow, Highlands and Islands and Ayrshire.
Suspects been charged with a number of vehicle related crimes, including theft and attempted theft of motor vehicles, and house breaking with vehicles being stolen.
In North Ayrshire officers identified a cluster of young men responsible for a sharp increase in local vehicle-related crime in recent months.
All four were traced, apprehended, and have either been remanded in custody or put under bail curfew orders.
A prominent rural thief has been arrested in connection with thefts from agricultural vehicles in East Ayrshire and police in Edinburgh have made numerous arrests, including detaining two individuals jointly responsible for more than 20 crimes, and officers investigated the suspected use of a "Bumper Key" to open vehicles without damaging them. Operation Quarterlight officers also uncovered drugs worth more than £30,000 during a vehicle search.
Via social media, Operation Quarterlight officers highlighted how a change in personal behaviour can prevent you becoming a victim of crime.
Detective Superintendent Yvonne Scott, deputy head of the operation, said: "The consequence of this type of crime can be frustrating and inconvenient and therefore I would again appeal to the public to work with us.
"In particular ensuring the safety of your property, be it in your home or your car. Secure your home and vehicle, particularly with the better weather, remember to remain vigilant and don't leave valuables in sight and make sure your car keys are not left where they can easily be stolen, make sure they are out of sight in your home."
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