Businesses and nurseries to be vigilant following spate of thefts

Small businesses and children’s nurseries in Glasgow are being warned to be vigilant following a spate of targeted thefts from premises in the area.

Over the last six weeks there has been a 'noticeable rise' in shops and children’s nurseries being specifically targeted for float money, often left in tills or cash boxes.

Detective Inspector Kevin Gilmour said: “Tackling theft remains a priority for officers within the Greater Glasgow area and we work tirelessly to pursue offenders who target small businesses and reduce crime. But it is vital that we have the support of business owners in order to do this.

“We have seen a number of thefts recently where criminals have been targeting small business who leave money in their tills overnight so we are urging small business owners to take some simple precautions, such as ensuring that no money, no matter the amount, is left in tills overnight.

“We would also advise leaving till drawers open so that would-be thieves can see there is no money and putting a sign in the window, in plain view saying that cash is not left on the premises overnight.

“Opportunistic theft of this kind not only causes a monetary loss, but those responsible often damage the premises in an attempt to find money. So, not only do businesses lose out financially, they also have to pay out to rectify any damage done.

“Police Scotland’s website has further useful advice and crime prevention tips for businesses which can be found at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/246633/business-robbery

“Anyone with information about opportunistic crime of this nature should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous call to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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