FOURTEEN homes across Scotland have been targeted by thieves who have stolen high-value items worth a total of £200k.

Robbers have broken into houses across Glasgow, as well as Paisley, East Kilbride, Bishopbriggs, Cambuslang, Kirkintilloch, Robroyston and Stepps. 

Police Scotland are carrying out inquiries and "Operation Suitcase" has been launched in response to the significant number of Asian homes being broken into.

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Asian gold jewellery and watches, worth a combined total of £200,000, has been taken and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.

Cops are treating the 14 housebreakings as being linked. Officers are keen to trace a gun-metal grey Cupra Ateca car, which is believed to have been in the area of each crime.

Glasgow Times:

Detective Sergeant Allan MacInnes from the Community Investigation Unit in Govan, said: “As a result of each of these incidents, the homeowners have been left devastated at the theft of their belongings and we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry as we look to identify the culprits and trace the stolen items.

“We would ask that anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in the affected areas between August 21 and 31, or who can help us locate the grey Cupra Ateca and its occupants, contacts police immediately.

“In addition, anyone with any other information relevant to our ongoing investigation should also get in touch.

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“Preventing housebreaking and reducing the numbers of those affected by such crimes is a top priority for Police Scotland and the public have a vital role to play by ensuring their valuables are stored safely and out of sight and that all doors and windows are secured appropriately when left unoccupied.

“We would also recommend that those choosing to store significantly valuable items within their home invest in robust security measures such as safes, alarms and motion-activated lighting.

"In addition, where possible we encourage the use of safety deposit boxes out-with your home address, or if this is not a viable option, then please consider using a safe storage option, which is approved by your insurer."

The offences took place at homes within the following addresses:

  • McMillan Crescent, Beith (August 21)
  • Mossbank Drive, Glasgow (August 23)
  • McGoldrick Place, Stepps (August 23)
  • Coltmuir Drive, Bishopbriggs (August 24)
  • Broadstone Road, Stranraer (August 24)
  • Viewfield Road, Bishopbriggs (August 25)
  • Pinwherry Drive, Robroyston (August 26)
  • Lothian Street, Bathgate (August 27)
  • Quarry Drive, Kirkintilloch (August 28)
  • Howieshill Road, Cambuslang (August 29)
  • McArthur Crescent, East Kilbride (August 29)
  • Foxglove Place, Glasgow (August 30)
  • Levern Bridge Place, Glasgow (August 31)
  • Manor Park Grove, Paisley (August 31)

Anyone with information on any of the incidents can contact Police Scotland by dialling 101 and quoting incident number 2747 of August 25.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.