POLICE in Forth Valley recently concluded Operation Blackboard, with a total of 31 crimes detected.

A variety of departments and units supported the operation, which ran between 9 and 15 February, including local officers, Campaign Against Violence officers and the Community Investigation Unit.

Detective Sergeant Gregor Thomson, of the Crime Management Unit, said: “Operation Backboard has been very successful and has provided assistance to local officers, including increased community involvement and high visibility patrols, to target the perpetrators of violence-related crime in the Forth Valley area.

“However, we still have work to do and tackling violence-related crime is a priority for Police Scotland. We would urge anyone who has been the victim of a violent crime to come forward and contact police, where you will be fully supported.” Through the efforts of the Community Investigation Unit, a 34-year-old male was detained in relation to theft and was later charged with a total of nine crimes, including theft by housebreaking, housebreaking with intent and a variety of drugs related offences.

In addition, 24 locally-held warrants were executed, including one at a nearby Falkirk residential address where a quantity of Mephedrone, with a maximum street value of £2120, was seized. Four individuals appeared in front of Falkirk Sheriff Court in connection with the offences.

Further support was provided by officers from the West area command and the Licensing & Violence Reduction Division.

Mounted units also took part in the operation providing high visibility patrols in local communities.

All together, 43 stop searches were carried out and 12 youths were found to have been in the possession of alcohol illegally. Four people were found to be in possession of controlled substances.

To report a crime contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity will be maintained.