POLICE in Fife have launched a tough new initiative to crack down on housebreaking, theft, robbery, bogus callers and all types of acquisitive crime across the Kingdom.

Operation Principle is spotlighting any type of crime where the offender acquires property or money by dishonest means.

The communities of Fife told police in the Your View Counts survey responses that they wanted this type of crime, and housebreaking in particular identified as a policing priority.

As part of Operation Principle officers, in collaboration with partner agencies are employing all resources at their disposal to actively target repeat acquisitive crime offenders across Fife, protect the public and bring offenders to justice.

All reports of housebreaking, fraud, bogus callers and vehicle crime in Fife are being thoroughly investigated and those responsible targeted on a daily basis.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Cunningham, who is leading Operation Principle, said: “Those responsible for breaking into people’s homes, stealing their valued possessions, such as cars, who commit crimes of fraud over the phone or internet, or bogus callers who turn up on their doorsteps may think they are immune to the law.

“However, we are demonstrating that they are not above the law through Operation Principle and for each and every crime committed there is a victim and families affected.

“So far this month and over the past few weeks we have made a number of arrests and brought offenders before the courts.”

Officers pursuing various lines of inquiry over the past few weeks focusing on a variety of high value crimes have made the following arrests.

Following ongoing work with Police in Tayside this man was arrested in connection with these crimes and a high-value robbery at Gleneagles Hotel.

A 25-year-old man appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Thursday August 10 in connection with nine charges, five relating to housebreakings in Glenrothes and St Monans.

A 34-year-old man was reported for the reset of a high valued motor vehicle valued at £23,200 which was stolen from Lanarkshire and subsequently recovered in the East Neuk area on 30th July.

A 36-year-old was man was arrested for five different crimes of dishonesty on July 25.

Three men aged 43, 41 and 17-years-old have been charged in connection with passing off counterfeit notes on July 25.

A 33-year-old man was arrested in connection with a housebreaking and other crimes of disorder in the Levenmouth area. Property to the value of approximately £1000 was recovered on July 23. Another 33-year-old man was charged in connection with a high-value bogus workman fraud in North-East Fife on July 17. He added: “Communities can help us by reporting any suspicious activity as well as keeping their homes, outbuildings and businesses appropriately secured at all times. Police in Fife will continue to seek the public’s help through local community engagement and social media.”