A multi-agency strategy tackling acquisitive crime throughout Lanarkshire has officially launched.
The Scottish Partnership against Acquisitive Crime (SPAACE) is a collaboration across organisations including Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, Scottish Plant Owners Association Scotland, Trading Standards Scotland, Retailers against Crime, Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, HM Revenue and Customs, Secured by Design, Take 5 to Stop Fraud and Crimestoppers.
This inaugural strategy covers all aspects of acquisitive crime prevention to address offences including housebreaking, theft of vehicles, doorstep crime, fuel thefts and theft of plant machinery.
Together, Lanarkshire organisations involved in SPAACE will develop joint approaches to raise awareness, share intelligence and information relating to emerging acquisitive crime trends and deliver best practice to reduce victims and harm caused to the public.
A full calendar of targeted campaigns aimed at raising public awareness throughout the year has been developed. Police Scotland will work alongside relevant partners to carry out enforcement activity targeting those involved in acquisitive crime.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Patrick, acquisitive crime lead, told Lanarkshire Live: “We know that acquisitive crime has a significant impact on victims, whether it’s through the invasive nature of the offence, such as housebreaking, or the financial impact caused by the theft of equipment like plant machinery.
"Often there is an emotional cost too when personal items that cannot be replaced are stolen.
