Rutherglen police warn public after spate of expensive car thefts

Jan 23 2013 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

Rutherglen Police are warning members of the public to be vigilant after a spate of expensive car thefts in the area.

The latest incident occurred between 11pm on Wednesday, January 16, and 7.30am the following day.

A black BMW X5 was taken from a house at Brownside Road in Rutherglen.

The culprit broke in to the house and stole the car keys, before making off in the vehicle.

However, recently, there have been many other incidents of expensive cars in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area being stolen. In each case the property has been broken into and the car keys stolen.

Between December 28 and 3, a Range Rover and a black BMW 525 were taken from Kirkburn Avenue, Cambuslang. Between December 16 and 17, an Audi Q5 4x4 was stolen from Buchanan Drive in Rutherglen, between the hours of 11pm and 7am. Between December 14 and 15, a black BMW 1 Series 4x4 and a black 4x4 Mercedes were stolen from Cathkin Avenue.

Additional officers will be patrolling the area and anyone who has any information on these incidents is asked to pass on details to officers.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries and gathering CCTV images in an effort to try and glean more information about the incidents and the suspects.

Constable Richard Samson at Rutherglen Police said: “With modern cars they have very high tech security systems, and it’s almost impossible to steal them without the use of the true key.

“It’s suspected at this point they are actively looking and targeting high value vehicles and subsequently breaking in to the house to get the key.

“We would like to issue a reminder to all people to ensure the keys to their house and the keys to their car are kept in a safe place.

“We also ask that they are not left in open view, hanging up on key hooks or easily visible.

“High value vehicles are always considered an attractive option for thieves.

“We’d like to make sure people don’t give them a chance and keep the keys somewhere safe where it would be very hard for a thieve to access them.”

“We know that homes with expensive cars sitting outside are being targeted.

“It’s extremely distressing for people to wake up in the morning and discover not only have their homes been broken into but their cars have disappeared too. “

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rutherglen Police Office. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously and in confidence.