Burglars bricking it: Edinburgh police use Lego to fight crime

Sneaking through tiny cracks and crevices where no normal human being could possibly venture, the little plastic heroes are helping Edinburgh Police stop more villainous reprobates in their tracks.

Well, sort of…

While they might not actually be on the front line of crime fighting, Lego men and women are being employed by Operation RAC to raise awareness and spread information about targeting housebreaking.

(1/2) Look how ye get access tae the back o' yer hame If it's easy others wull dae the same #OpRacpic.twitter.com/1odDMOKcJm

— EdinburghPolice (@EdinburghPolice) April 9, 2015

Following a spate of thefts, police have assembled miniature scenes with the plastic figures, showing how the people of Edinburgh can keep their property safe.

The tableaux are accompanied by handy poems to explain the safety features.

One reads: “Staying in or goin oot? Lock the windaes ‘n’ front door. A simple step maybe, That’ll prevent access tae them on the chore.”

Operation RAC hopes to drive out a group of 40 suspected burglars.

(1/2) Keep yer hame safe when yer oot on the go By usin` timers on lights 'n' even the radio #OpRacpic.twitter.com/SI7KckM33m

— EdinburghPolice (@EdinburghPolice) April 8, 2015

1/2 Staying in or goin oot? Lock the windae's 'n' front door. #OpRacpic.twitter.com/o7Owk2KuTy

— EdinburghPolice (@EdinburghPolice) April 7, 2015

A Police Scotland spokesman said Lego was used as it is a “universally recognizable” item which connects with the public.

“Social media is an important tool for communicating with the public and allows us to provide vital information on crime prevention and advice on keeping safe,” he added.

Sergeant Andy Kerr, from the South Community Policing Team, said: “We are committed to ensuring the public have all the necessary information to keep themselves and their homes safe.”