MORE than 170 people have been charged with 450 crimes related to housebreaking in Forth Valley in the last four months.

In addition, around £40,000 worth of stolen property has been recovered and has, or will be, returned to its rightful owners.

It is all part of ongoing Operation RAC launched by Police Scotland in December.

Officers investigated break-ins to homes, businesses and outbuildings in the area and 172 people were arrested or reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Inspector David Mitchell, who leads on Operation RAC within Forth Valley said, “Forth Valley Division officers, supported by additional Police Scotland resources, have taken part in a wide range of activities in order to detect, deter, disrupt and divert criminals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their assistance during Operation RAC and would also like to re-assure our local communities that the same levels of commitment and intensity will be given to reducing such crimes, and to apprehending those responsible for committing them going forward.

“As always, officers are happy to provide crime prevention and personal safety advice as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping people safe, and furthermore, information about persons engaged in criminal activity can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”