Break-ins at three Highland care homes

Some of the most vulnerable people at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak have been robbed following a series of break-ins at care facilities in Inverness, Daviot and Kingussie.

Following enquiries, Police believe the incidents are linked and the same people are responsible.

Around 10:30pm on Friday, March 20th, four men broke into the Isobel Fraser Care Home in Mayfield Road, Inverness. The men were dressed in dark coloured clothing and entered via a window, stealing cash and items belonging to the residents.

'To steal precious jewellery and items from elderly ...is sickening'

Then around 00:40am on Saturday March 21st, Police received a report that Meallmore Lodge in Daviot had been broken into, with again items and money belonging to the residents stolen.

A third break-in occurred on the Saturday morning at 3am at the Wade Centre in Spey Street, Kingussie. Two men, dressed in dark-coloured clothing, were spotted near the premises, with residents items and also cash taken.

No-one was injured in any of the incidents, but Police say items of great sentimental value have been stolen and these items are irreplaceable.

From enquiries so far, officers have identified that a blue coloured Audi was seen in the area, with Police appealing for anyone driving in those areas - or the A9 - between Inverness and Kingussie to check dash cam footage.

Detective Constable Graham Gordon said:

'It’s imperative we trace the people responsible for these crimes. We will continue to review CCTV footage from the premises for any additional information which could assist our investigation'

'To steal precious jewellery and items from elderly people, with no thought for the impact it will have on them, is sickening. Many of these items will have been in their possession for several years, perhaps belonging to their loved ones who are no longer here. Clearly, those responsible only care for themselves and whatever they can get. Although, I’m sure if it was their mother, father or grandparents, they would think differently'

'I am appealing to members of the public for any information regarding these incidents or anyone who has information on those responsible to please contact us'

Anyone with information can call CID officers at Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness via 101 quoting incident number NN/1859/20.