'Sickening' raids included Kingussie care home
Detectives are making enquiries after a Kingussie care home was broken into.
Disruption at the Wade Centre on Spey Street seems to have been part of a series of incidents across the Highlands.
Around 10.30pm on Friday (March 20) four men gained access to the Isobel Fraser Care Home in Mayfield Road, Inverness. The men were dressed in dark coloured clothing and they broke in, through a window and stole cash and items belonging to the residents of the care home.
Around 00.40am on Saturday police received a report that Meallmore Lodge in Daviot had been broken into, again items and money belonging to the residents were stolen.
A third break-in occurred at roughly 3am on Saturday, the target being the Wade Centre in Spey Street, Kingussie. Two men, dressed in dark-coloured clothing, were spotted near the premises. Initially it was reported that items belonging to the residents and money were stolen, but this has subsequently been clarified at the centre.
Deputy manager Debbie Mustarde told the Strathy: "We're relieved to say that the people who broke in got nowhere near any residents or their property. The activity, which was interrrupted, was confined to the office, where drawers and a cabinet had been tampered with, but no personal belongings were taken."
No-one was injured in any of the incidents, however at other locations it has been reported that items of great sentimental value have been stolen and for many people, the items are irreplaceable.
Following enquiries, officers believe the incidents are linked and the same people are responsible.
From enquiries carried out so far, officers have identified that a blue coloured Audi car was seen in the area. Officers are appealing for anyone who was driving in the areas targeted or the A9, between Inverness and Kingussie during this period is asked to check their dash cams as they may have captured footage which could assist the investigation.
Detective Constable Graham Gordon said: “It’s imperative we trace the people responsible for these crimes.
"We will continue to review CCTV footage from the premises for any additional information which could assist our investigation.
“To steal precious jewellery and items from elderly people, with no thought for the impact it will have on them, is sickening.
"Many of these items will have been in their possession for several years, perhaps belonging to their loved ones who are no longer here. Clearly, those responsible only care for themselves and whatever they can get.
"Although, I’m sure if it was their mother, father or grandparents, they would think differently.
“I am appealing to members of the public for any information regarding these incidents or anyone who has information on those responsible to please contact us.”
Anyone with information can call CID officers at Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness via 101 quoting incident number NN/1859/20.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
