Cops installing spycams in Scotland’s ‘most firebombed village’

COPS are installing spy cameras in Scotland’s most firebombed village.

It comes after more than 30 arson attacks in Bothwell, Lanarkshire — with vehicles and restaurants torched.

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Cops are installing new cameras in Bothwell after a series of firebombings Credit: Scottish Sun

The leafy village has seen more than 30 fire attacks in recent years Credit: Scottish Sun

Several of the attacks have seen four eateries torched in the “historic village” – which was once a haven for footballers and A-list celebs – since 2019.

The latest saw two cars torched outside a home just days apart in January this year.

Two restaurants linked to former brothel boss Hugh O’Donnell – who is linked to The Cut steakhouse and Nel and Co – were set alight last year.

Despite major probes launched into the blaze attacks, cops closed down the investigations with no arrests made.

The Cut steakhouse was targeted last year Credit: Supplied

The DaLuciano Italian restaurant was repeatedly attacked Credit: Scottish Sun

Now force chiefs have revealed they’ll set up CCTV and number plate recognition cameras in the leafy suburb, which some locals have dubbed “Both-hell”.

Cops hope the ANPR cams will be able to capture any suspicious motors in the area and even help them take down underworld hoods.

A Police Scotland report said: “Following the rise of serious incidents in the Bothwell area, Police Scotland and South Lanarkshire Council will be implementing cameras that can be utilised by police to assist with any future enquiries.

“South Lanarkshire Council will be installing a camera within Bothwell Main Street. This will not apply to the residents of Uddingston. 

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A Vauxhall Corsa was driven into the San Vincenzo restaurant and deliberately set alight Credit: Scottish Sun

The restaurant now sits as a derelict wreck on the main street Credit: Scottish Sun

“What will concern Uddingston is the planned installation of ANPR cameras within the Lanarkshire area. The exact location of these cameras cannot be disclosed.

“However, they will be positioned to cover ingress and egress routes of Bothwell and Uddingston.

“There are a number of these cameras operating between Lanarkshire and Glasgow which mostly cover motorways.

“These new cameras will allow police to supplement the use of existing ANPR cameras to monitor the movement of any suspicious vehicles used in the commission of crime within the localised vicinity.”

We told in November how O’Donnell called for police to be “more proactive” in tracing those behind the mayhem.

He also insisted he was puzzled as to why restaurants linked to him were being targeted.

His Italian restaurant in the town, DaLuciano, was repeatedly attacked by blaze thugs and burned to the ground in 2023.

Another business, the San Vincenzo restaurant, which sits as a derelict wreck next to the now gutted Nel and Co, was repeatedly firebombed in 2019 – including one attack where it was ram raided with a Vauxhall Corsa which was driven into the restaurant and then set alight.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We use Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality, including tackling organised crime groups.

“It is also a useful tool in tracking down stolen vehicles, acquisitive crime and also helping to trace those who have been reported missing.

“Cameras are placed in areas where they will be most effective in the detection of crime.”