Police say festive drive is clear message to criminals

POLICE have arrested 19 people during the first stage of a festive period safety drive in West Lothian.

Officers arrested 16 individuals wanted on warrants, while two more were charged with housebreaking and one for a drugs offence since Operation Festoon was launched on Wednesday.

In addition, 85 were stopped and searched across the county, two vehicles were impounded, and £1500 in cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Members of the mounted section also carried out high-visibility patrols.

Inspector Stephen Innes, who is co-ordinating Operation Festoon, said: “We are really committed to doing all we can to make sure everyone in West Lothian enjoys this festive season and remembers this Christmas for all the right reasons.

“With increased numbers of officers out and about, we’re already having an impact – as well as making arrests and solving crimes, we are sending a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated.”