Spate of Grantown thefts prompts police warning
A spate of thefts in the Grantown area have prompted police to urge householders in the strath to be on their guard.
They believe that the break-ins could be linked to other thefts in Inverness and Nairn.
Included in the raids were addresses in Grantown’s Woodside Avenue and Strathspey Drive.
In one break-in the thieves got away with the medals of former RAF Squadron Leader Malcolm "Ginge" Lee as well as money and his laptop.
He said: "I think it was just an opportunistic theft. We were away at the time. They got away with my MBE, my Queen’s Jubilee medal, long-service and good conduct medals. I served with the RAF for many years to win them and I want them back."
A rock had been hurled through the window to gain access to the vacant premises. The same tactic has been tried at other places, including the home of Mr and Mrs Frank McKay while they, too, were away for a few days.
Mr McKay told the ‘Strathy’: "They took jewellery and cash and lots of small items which clearly could just be stuffed into pockets. I hope somebody saw something which will help the police track them down."
Police Scotland have said there have been seven break-ins across the Inverness, Nairn and Strathspey areas in thepast fortnight. A force spokesman said enquiries were on-going to track down the culprits.
The officer leading the investigations, Detective Inspector Richard Baird, is advising residents in Badenoch and Strathspey to be vigilant and report all suspicious activity.
He said: "Whilst we are keeping an open mind and making no assumptions, we cannot rule out the possibility that the same persons may be responsible for recent housebreakings in Inverness, Culloden, Nairn and Grantown in the past two weeks.
"I would appeal for the public to contact Police Scotland without delay if they witness any activity which they consider suspicious, particularly around houses in darkness or where the owners are known to be away."
Last week Police Scotland launched the ‘Stay Safe Over the Festive Period’ campaign with advice to home owners to keep their houses secure and well lit.
The campaign is providing advice on personal safety and home security over the busy festive season when there can be a rise in opportunist thefts.
Top tips for securing your home include:
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• Many thieves are actually opportunists who do not have to break in at all because a door or window has been left open or unlocked. Keep your home securely locked at all times.
• Don’t leave keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or anywhere else an intruder may easily find them.
• Don’t put your name or room number on your keyring if you live in shared accommodation. If it is lost or stolen, the thief will have information that could direct them to your home and your property.
• Don’t keep house keys and car keys on the same key ring.
• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in the house. If you must then disperse it in various locations.
• Security mark your property with a UV marker pen. You can use this pen to place an invisible imprint of your postcode and house number on your possessions.
• Record details of your valuables, such as mobile phone, cameras, laptops and tablets on the national mobile property register at www.immobilise.com.
• Don’t leave valuables in sight of windows, particularly around the tree at Christmas time.
• If you have a wall calendar, avoid mounting it near a window from where appointments can potentially be seen – this may give an indication of when a property will be empty.
