Crime Bulletin: 11 Feb, 2010

Police in Dundee are appealing for information after prescribed medication was stolen during a sneak in theft to a house in The Aspens yesterday (Tues Feb 9).

The theft of the two bags of prescription drugs happened some time between 11am and 4pm. They contained metrazapine, morphine sulphate, paracetamol and diazepam, all in tablet form; gabapentin capsules; as well as oramorph and gaviscon in liquid form.

Clearly any medication can be dangerous if taken by someone other than the person it is prescribed to and if taken in unprescribed quantities.

Anyone who finds this medication or who has information that could assist enquiries should call 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.


Power tools worth almost £2500 were stolen from a parked car in Dundee’s Mansion Drive some time between 6pm on Monday (Feb 8) and 7.40am yesterday (Tues Feb 9).

Stolen from a red Ford Mondeo was a circular saw, an electric drill, two electric screwdrivers, a battery saw and a hammer drill all made by Hilti.

Anyone who was in the area and who saw or heard anything suspicious or anyone who has information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen property should call 0300 111 2222.

Officers in Dundee are also carrying out enquiries into the theft of a toolbox from a hire van near to Lulworth Court on Monday (Feb 8).

The white Citroen Berlingo was parked in the north east corner of a car parking area situated to the north of Lulworth Court, when a silver metal toolbox containing various hand tools was taken.

Officers are keen to trace a man who was seen acting suspiciously next to the van at about 6.20pm on Monday. He is described as being five feet eight inches tall, with long fair hair and he was wearing a dark coloured top at the time.

Anyone with information that could assist enquiries should call 0300 111 2222, or speak to any officer.


After a fortnight where about 20 vehicles have been the targeted by thieves, Tayside Police is once again appealing to vehicle owners to try to avoid leaving valuables in unattended vehicles.

More than a dozen vehicles have been broken into in Dundee in the past two weeks. A further five had property stolen after being left unlocked.

True to form, portable satellite navigation systems remain the most popular attraction speculative thieves, with five being taken in this time frame. Three lap top computers have been also been stolen, as well as other property including mobile phones and bags. In one case a considerable sum of money was taken.

Arguably, all of these items would still be in the hands of their rightful owners if they had been taken from the vehicle when it was left unattended.


Divisional Crime Prevention Officer Colin Brough, said:

‘‘The theft of portable sat nav systems from vehicles continues to be a problem. Because they are fitted to the dashboard, sat navs are in open view and they are attractive to thieves because they are small and very portable.

‘‘Owners can help prevent crime by removing the sat nav system, including the mounting bracket, when leaving their vehicles unattended. It is important to take the whole unit with you so that there is no visible evidence of the system having being fitted.

‘‘If the mounting bracket has been attached to the windscreen, then give it a quick wipe to remove any suction marks that may have been left. Something like baby wipes or spectacle cleaning wipes that lots of us have in our cars are ideal.

‘‘Wherever possible all items and belongings should be taken out of a vehicle that is being left unattended. Where it is not possible, items should be kept out of sight. All windows should be fully closed and doors locked. Security systems such as alarms and immobilsers should also be used.

“We also recommend that property such as sat navs and stereos are security marked (with a post code or registration number) and a record kept of their model and serial number to assist the police in returning any items that are subsequently recovered should a theft happen. There are a number of proprietary marking systems available but a simple UV marking pen or indelible fluorescent pen can be just as effective.

"Several of the vehicles broken into in the last two weeks have been commercial vehicles. Again, advice in respect of removing items of value is just as relevant in relation to works vans. Tayside Police would ask drivers to, wherever possible remove laptops and tools and make sure the vehicle is locked up properly, not matter how short a time the vehicle is left unattended for."

Anyone with information that could assist Tayside Police should call 0300 111 2222, or alternatively call that charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alec McDonald/strong>