Court round-up

Aug 27 2008 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A MAN in his late twenties appeared from custody at Airdrie Sheriff Court last Thursday charged with police assault.

It is also alleged that he was responsible for a series of sneak-in thefts to people’s homes in the Coatbridge area.

He was remanded in custody.

POLICE are warning members of the public to be vigilant while shopping in Coatbridge, following a recent handbag theft in the area.

Shoppers are at particular risk from this type of crime, especially in supermarkets where purses are left in open bags or bags are visible in a shopping trolley, providing easy pickings for opportunist thieves.

Several members of the public in Coatbridge and Airdrie have been caught off guard by these thieves who are thought to work in groups of two or more.

Details of related crimes that have been reported so far include one woman being approached by an offender at the checkout and distracting her attention for long enough to allow an accomplice to remove a bag or purse from the trolley.

Constable Kirsteen Salen, of the Coatbridge Community Safety Department, said: “We would urge shoppers to report such crimes to the police, should they fall victim to this type of theft.

“We are also keen to hear from members of the public who may have any further information with regards to the identities of those responsible and may have witnessed any of these crimes.”

Police recommend the following steps are taken to keep personal belongings safe and help further prevent this type of crime:

lNever leave a bag or purse unattended in a shopping trolley even for a few seconds.

lWallets/purses carried in back pockets are vulnerable to pick-pockets; keep them in a front trouser pocket or inside jacket pocket, preferably one that fastens.

lKeep your handbag close to you where you can see it - and keep the clasp or zip shut.

lAdditionally, if your plastic bank cards are stolen, immediately tell the card company, do not delay in reporting the loss as it could lead to a crime being committed in your name, as a thief could make fraudulent use of your card. lNever carry the personal identification number (PIN) with your cash dispensing cards. Always memorise your number and never disclose it, even to close friends. Keep your cheque card separate from your cheque book; a thief needs both to write a cheque.

MONKLANDS’ Police are warning gardeners to be aware of their garden ornaments following a spate of thefts.

If they are expensive or of unusual design police would like to know if you have been offered a garden ornament for sale recently.

If you have any information on this or any other crimes in your area contact your local police office on Coatbridge 01236 502000, Airdrie 01236 505100 or Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.Š