Pollokshields home among series of care homes targeted by thieves

It follows a spate of break-ins to care homes across the central belt and west of Scotland in the past week, including an incident at Oakview Manor Care Home in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow.

The home was targeted last Wednesday night (June 17). Fortunately staff disturbed a group of men entering the premises.

Between then and Saturday, at least 10 further break-ins or attempted break-ins have taken place at care homes in Lanarkshire, Glasgow and West Lothian.

All the offences are believed to have been carried out by the same group and the police are working to identify those involved.

Officers are also establishing the full extent of what has been taken from the various properties.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately.

Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns, from Lothians and Scottish Borders CID, said: “Those responsible for these shameful offences have targeted the possessions of elderly and vulnerable members of communities across Scotland.

“I would ask that anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity around any of the affected premises, between Wednesday and Saturday, contacts police immediately.

“Officers across the country are currently engaging with the care homes where break-ins took place to offer crime prevention advice and conduct property surveys aimed at improving the overall security in and around these premises.

“Staff and management within other care homes throughout Scotland are advised at this time to consider their own security and if required, take appropriate steps to strengthen existing measures.

“We have a range of useful information on our website at www.scotland.pnn.police.uk, or alternatively contact us via 101 to arrange a visit from a Police Scotland Crime Prevention Officer.”

Those with information can contact Lothian and Scottish Borders CID via 101 and quote incident number 634 of 20 June 2020.