Police charge 172 people over Forth Valley break-ins
Police have charged 172 people with a total of 450 crimes as part of an operation targeting housebreaking in the Forth Valley.
Officers have been running Operation RAC over the past four months.
In addition to the arrests, stolen property worth £40,000 has been recovered and will be returned to victims of theft.
Police Scotland has identified housebreaking as a key issue in local communities across Scotland.
Officers across the Forth Valley have been pursuing numerous lines of inquiry into break-ins from homes, businesses and outbuildings since the launch of Operation RAC in December.
So far, 172 people have been arrested or reported to the Procurator Fiscal, in connection with 450 crimes.
Det Insp David Mitchell said officers would not be letting up, with the operation ongoing.
He said: "Through Operation RAC, we have continually targeted those responsible for committing housebreakings and associated offences in our local communities.
"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."