Appeal for information following theft in Lochmaben

Officers in Dumfries and Galloway are appealing for information following a break-in and theft at a premises in Lochmaben.

The incident happened between 9pm and 10pm on Tuesday, 8 October, 2024, in the Glebe Terrace area.

Entry was gained to the premises and four motocross bikes and one electric bike, with a collective value of over £25,000, were stolen.

The stolen vehicles were: a red 2024 Honda CRF250 R motocross bike; a white 2023 Huskvarna FC450 Heritage motocross bike; a black 2024 Surrone Super B motocross bike; a red;1988 Honda CR125 motocross bike; and a black 2024 Yamaha Moro 07 electric mountain e-bike.

Detective Constable Grant Middlemiss said: “Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would urge anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information to come forward.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen any suspicious activity.

“We would also be keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage.

“Anyone who can help is asked to call 101, quoting incident 0493 of 9 October, 2024.”

​Theft by Housebreaking costs society millions of pounds per year in stolen property, damage and criminal justice system resources.  The victim often faces the emotional trauma of knowing someone has entered and searched their home, in addition to any loss of property. 

This in turn can result in a loss of confidence and distress long after the offence.  Theft by Housebreaking can often raise fear in local communities to such an extent that some feel they cannot leave their homes unoccupied. 

The Theft by Housebreaking guidance has been published on the intranet.  This should assist officers to not only reduce the number of Housebreakings within our communities, but also detect and disrupt the activities of individuals involved in such offences.  The aim of the guidance is to make it more difficult for offenders to commit Housebreaking or similar offences, focused on Detect, Deter, Divert Disrupt.
 
It is important to remember that the best way to tackle Housebreaking is to prevent it happening. Officers should continue engaging with their communities and offer advice and guidance so that they can safeguard their homes, businesses and belongings.
 
We are making significant strides in addressing Housebreaking, but we must not become complacent.