POLICE have been carrying out random checks on taxis, street traders and window cleaners across West Dunbartonshire.

Checks are being done to remind licence holders of the importance of updating their personal details and conditions of their licence.

Police also hope to identify any criminal activity and advice and warnings will be given to anyone found to be breaching their licence.

Operation Snowbird also gives licence holders the opportunity to raise any concerns with police or licensing departments, such as unlicensed taxis operating in certain areas.

The first day of action took place on Friday, August 5.

Across Dumbarton, Alexandria and Clydebank, 30 taxis and private hire vehicles were checked. A number of licence breaches were found and warnings were given.

No licence breaches were found in the seven taxis and private hire vehicle checked in Helensburgh.

Three licensed window cleaners were also stopped, with two found not to have their licence badge.

Detective Inspector Andy Doherty from Dumbarton CID said: “This joint operation is about reassuring members of the public that their safety is paramount and we are focused on ensuring that all licence holders are adhering to the proper regulations.

“Whether it’s a private hire taxi, street trader or window cleaner – we will be randomly checking that their details are up-to-date as well as disrupting any criminal activity.

“We know that the vast majority of licence holders do comply with these regulations and I can’t stress enough how important it is that they do so.

"The response from those we have stopped so far has been positive and we will continue to conduct random checks as part of this ongoing operation.”