Lenzie housebreaker snared through ipad tracking signal

Scott McLuckie had taken £8,000 of items from a property in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, on November 4 2020.

The 45-year-old’s haul included a wedding band, an engagement ring as well as electronics.

But, an iPad app, alerted the owner where the iPad was and he called the police who arrested McLuckie.

The offence took place more than 17 years after McLuckie was jailed for 10 years at the High Court in Glasgow for an assault to danger of life.

McLuckie pled guilty today (Thursday) at Glasgow Sheriff Court to housebreaking.

The court heard the homeowner returned from work at 5pm to his conservatory smashed.

The bedroom drawers were pulled out and a variety of items were taken.

The homeowner then dialled 999 which prompted a police investigation.

Prosecutor Jennifer McKee said: “Police were alerted to an address due to the activation of a signal on the Find my iPhone app.

“A search found items identified as belonging to the homeowner as well as a bag containing a pair of trainers in the back garden.”

A second activation of the app signal was also traced and a Kindle tablet was recovered.

McLuckie wasn’t initially found but was later arrested at the property where the first signal came from.

Miss McKee added: “It is estimated £8,000 of items were stolen and some were not recovered.

“Some of the items included a wedding band and an engagement ring as well as other items belong to family members no longer here.”

McLuckie told officers that the items found were taken from a golf course.

Lawyer Mel Wise, defending, told the court McLuckie committed the crime to fund a drug habit after a relapse.

Sheriff Joseph Platt said: “The first time you were convicted of a case like this on your record was 1992.

“I consider a custodial sentence is appropriate as the victims in the offence lost items of sentimental value.

“Two family items were not recovered which will resonate in their minds.”