Metal theft crackdown

A range of fresh measures will include a national campaign to help tackle the problem, which has regularly hit the Lothians in recent times.

Kenny McAskill was to join officers from the British Transport Police and Lothian and Borders Police at a roadside check in Edinburgh at the start of the Association of Police Officers in Scotland and Crimestoppers Cut Out Metal Theft campaign.

Yesterday, the Evening News told how metal thieves had made off with benches worth £2000 from a Portobello Park in broad daylight.

Community councillors raised the alarm after local residents believed men loading the benches into a van were working for the council.

In total four benches, worth £500 each, were swiped by the from Abercorn Park.