'Despicable' Break-In @ Maggie's Inverness

Police in Inverness are hunting a 'despicable' thief who broke into the Maggie's Centre.

The man targeted Raigmore Hospital's cancer support facility around 12:10am yesterday.

He tried to steal a safe, but was disturbed by a pair of security guards.

The suspect made off towards Culcabock Road on a black and grey mountain bike.

Officers are appealing for information to trace the suspect.

Inspector Derek McGillivray said: "Maggie's Highlands is a charity in Inverness that provides support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

"This attempt to steal funds from the centre is a despicable crime and I would urge anyone that has any information about the incident, or may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, to contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Carole Bridge, Centre Head at Maggie’s Highlands said: “We were greatly saddened to discover that a break-in occurred at the Centre.

"Unfortunately, despite the security measures in place, a window was smashed which allowed an intruder to enter the building and remove the Centre’s safe.

"Thankfully, the police have been able to recover the safe unopened and there has been minimal disruption to the Centre.

“We are working closely with the police during their investigation and are taking their advice on ways we can further increase the security of the Centre and reduce the chances of similar incidents occurring in the future.

“The Centre was closed briefly this morning as the window was repaired.

"I’d like to reassure all of our Centre visitors and supporters that the Centre is now open and our full programme of support is available providing free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends across the region.

“We’d like to thank the local community, police and the Raigmore Hospital for their continued support.”