A crackdown on vehicle crime in Tayside has seen almost two vehicles seized by police every day.
Police Scotland Tayside Division has seized 82 vehicles across the region since January 1, with almost 40 of those taken off the streets in Angus alone.
Angus Commander, Chief Inspector Gordon Milne welcomed the figures which he said were a result of proactive policing by his officers.
“These vehicles have been seized because they have been driven by someone that doesn’t have a licence, or insurance or they are disqualified from driving,” said the police chief.
“We’ve taken this on after we were given the powers to do so in 2009 and it has been really effective.
“I think it shows how effective we are in Angus in terms of dealing with this and we have found that a lot of these people are also connected to other forms of criminality.
“These are people who have no respect for road traffic legislation or other people’s property that comes out when we look at who these people are.
“It’s a clear message that we will take the means away from them, at least temporarily, and there are now a lot less vehicles being driven illegally on our roads.
“That’s a benefit for the people of Tayside, especially in Angus.”
Chief Inspector Milne said the formation of the unified police force has allowed the Tayside Division to focus on what crimes are most prevalent in local policing areas.
Drugs, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crimes are among the most commonly reported to officers in the area and these seizures are a result of the police reacting to the public’s concerns.
“Since Police Scotland came in last year we have had a refocusing on things that are important nationally, but we have also got better at listening to what people in Angus want us to do,” he added.
“The priorities that I’m setting are based on consultation with elected members, householders and members of the public in every area in Angus.
“They all say drug crime, anti-social behaviour and the roads are of importance and we have taken that on board.”
Chief Inspector Milne added that the spike in seizures could not be achieved if it was not for members of the public contacting police with tip-offs and concerns.
He urged the community to continue their efforts and to contact Crimestoppers, dial 101 or speak to any police officer with concerns.
Figures for Fife and Forth Valley were not available and, because the intitiative took place in Tayside, would not have been comparable.