Crimebeat: Spate of vehicle thefts in Wishaw

Nov 7 2012 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

A spate of motorbike and scooter thefts have prompted police to issue security advice to owners.

Three children’s motorbikes were stolen from a property in Young Street, Wishaw, overnight on Tuesday, October 30, along with protective clothing and helmets.

The same night thieves took a dirt bike from an outhouse in Tinto Crescent.

Then, the following evening, a Peugeot scooter was stolen from Ashkirk Place, Coltness.

PC James Ruddell told the Wishaw Press: “It is unpleasant that law-abiding people have to take extra precautions to protect their property from thieves but everything we do to make the criminals’ lives harder is a positive.

“Motorbike, bicycle or even bin thefts can all be reduced by using a solid and permanent ground anchor combined with a heavy chain and lock.

“This makes it harder, longer, noisier and riskier for the thief to succeed.”

A clothing thief struck on two occasions in Motherwell’s Camp Street last week.

Initially a hooded sweatshirt, t-shirt and duvet were stolen from a communal drying area.

Then shortly afterwards some shoes and an umbrella were also nicked.

PC Ruddell added: “These two incidents highlight the emerging trend as it now appears that clothing has a scrap value in the same way as metal as a scrap value.

“Dealers that legitimately exchange unwanted clothing for cash can lead to criminals in our communities taking advantage of others.”

A Vauxhall Corsa parked in Rhu Quadrant, Overtown, was badly damaged by vandals between 4 and 11pm last Thursday, November 1, when tyres were slashed and windows smashed.

A vandal also smashed a bus window in Pather, Wishaw, on Friday night.

The incident occurred around 7pm as the vehicle was travelling along Rannoch Drive.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Thousands of pounds worth of belongings were stolen during a break-in at a house in Shotts’ Main Street last week.

The incident occurred last Friday morning while the house was empty.

Thieves who broke into an Allanton convenience store during the early hours of Friday morning made off with a quantity of cigarettes and other goods.

The three thieves are described as being slimly-built teenagers.

A Ford Transit van was stolen from outside a property on Greenhill Road in Cleland at the weekend.

Anyone who has information relating to any of these crimes should contact their local police office.

Wishaw police can be called on 01698 202600, Motherwell police are on 01698 483000 and the Shotts office can be called on 01501 820506.

Alternatively you can ring the independent Crimestoppers charity free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.