Three men jailed over Edinburgh housebreakings

THREE men have received prison sentences for their roles in a series of housebreakings carried out in Edinburgh.

Sheriff Court, Chambers Street, Edinburgh. File picture: Ian Georgeson

As part of Operation RAC, local police successfully traced the men in relation to a number of separate incidents reported to police between November and February.

All appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, May 6.

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Peter Stirling, 33, has been sentenced to two years behind bars for breaking into a property on Albyn Place.

David Craig, 51, was sentenced to 22 months for a housebreaking at a home in St Mary’s Street

Meanwhile, Sean Docherty, 20, was sentenced to two years in Polmont Young Offenders Institute for carrying out five housebreakings in the Cambridge Gardens and Hamilton Wynd areas of the Capital.

Giving his reaction to the sentencing Detective Inspector Graham Grant said: “The custodial terms handed out to these three men stand as testimony to some excellent police work and sends a clear message that we will do everything in our power to trace and arrest those who are involved in this criminal activity.

“Housebreaking can often have a devastating impact on the victims and arresting those involved in this crime remains one of our top priorities.

“There are a number of steps that occupiers can take to try and reduce their chances of falling victim to housebreakers such as using light timer switches and ensuring doors and windows are properly secured. A more thorough list of useful prevention advice can be found on the Police Scotland website.

“Anyone who wants to report a crime in their area can contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”