Forres police publish report of local crimes committed in November

POLICE are warning the public to be wary of fraud and theft during the festive period.

The Community Safety Partnership Report for November listed instances of vandalism, assault, domestic incidents, and motor offences but Forres Inspector, Kerry Rigg, also focused on the likelihood of increased attempts at fraud and theft around Christmas.

She said: “PC MacDonald is running an awareness raising campaign in response to vishing fraud. Leaflets are being distributed to GP surgeries, post offices, paper shops and pharmacies. Supported by Trading Standards officers, she has also carried out leaflet drops at sheltered housing and residential areas occupied by senior community members. Wider leaflet drops are planned.”

She added: “We have seen a number of bicycle thefts reported. Bicycles are viewed as attractive items to steal as they can be sold on quickly or used in other crimes. Perpetrators are often knowledgeable of which are of highest value and can be easily advertised for sale on websites. Owners are encouraged to register bikes on the national register to assist in identification. More details can be found at www.bikeregister.com.”

During the reporting period, two insecure bicycles were stolen, one from a garden and one from a communal landing, in Forres. Enquiries continue to identify those responsible.

A number of power tools were also stolen from premises on Altyre Estate.

There were four reports of fraud. Three involved texts and phone calls from persons purporting to be from HMRC, Paypal or other reputable companies. Complainers were misled into providing personal banking information or transferring money. One involved an eBay purchase.

There was also an attempted extortion involving threats to publish sensitive pictures online.

There were three reports of vandalism in Forres, including damage to a window at private residence and a spate of vandalism to three cars over one night. There was also damage to a wall and outdoor tap at Applegrove Primary School.

A car was also damaged during an incident in Alves. Enquiries are continuing into these reports.

There were six assaults reported during November, including three juvenile assaults. Those responsible have been reported or are being sought in connection with the reports.

There were a further two incidents of police assault and arrest resistance in Forres.

An incident of a juvenile acting in an aggressive and threatening manner has been reported to the Youth Justice Unit.

There were also three domestic incidents in Forres involving assault, threatening and abusive behaviour and a communications offence. The perpetrators have been reported.

Drivers were reported for incidents of careless driving at Kinloss and Alves, and driving without insurance at Forres.

Three speeding offences were detected at Alves and one in Brodie.

Motorists were also discovered driving defective vehicles in the Dallas, Burghead and Forres areas.

Further driving offences of disqualified driving, driving with no insurance and crossing solid white lines were also detected at Brodie.

Police received reports of large numbers of youths gathering at Sanquhar Woods. Patrols undertaken with partners in the Youth Justice Social Work Unit and Youth Engagement Team engaged with the gatherings. The partnership teams relayed their concerns around youth disorder, alcohol misuse and littering, and provided advice on how best to keep safe.

Chief Inspector for Moray, Norman Stevenson, confirmed officers and road policing staff have been targeting road safety and road crime under operation CEDAR (Challenge, Educate, Detect and Reduce). Through feedback, police have targeted areas susceptible to speeding and other road traffic offences.

Chf Insp Stevenson said: “We have moved into the national Winter Safe Drive campaign and will continue this focus into 2021.

“For the small number of more serious crimes that have occurred in the area, these have been brought to a very positive conclusion with the persons responsible traced quickly. I am grateful to the communities who worked with us.”

He added: “We were delighted to work with Moray Food Plus and set up collection points in our offices. We have put a system in place to make these supplies easier to access at key times over the festive period.

“I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Try to focus on positive thoughts at a time that may be very challenging after an exceptionally challenging year.”