Further spate of break-ins at industrial estate

Apr 27 2011 by Shona Mitchell, East Kilbride News

A SPATE of break-ins at businesses in Kelvin Industrial Estate has led police to issue a warning to other owners.

Over the holiday weekend, a total of three properties in Albion Way were broken into and had items and cash stolen.

The News reported in February how four nearby businesses were also targeted by thieves and it comes just over a year after a similar spate of break-ins in the same street.

Between 6pm on April 21 and 2pm on April 25, Mark Hutton Blackbelt Academy was broken into after thieves forced open a roller shutter and smashed a window in order to gain entry.

The thugs then smashed open two vending machines and stole around £500 of cash which was contained in them. The cost of the damage runs into hundreds of pounds.

Between 5pm on April 23 and 3am on April 24, two further properties in Albion Way were broken into.

Again the roller shutter was forced open and a window was smashed, this time at The Studio EK, an indoor spin class venue.

Items stolen include an alarm fob, cash and a cash box.

Gymboree Play and Learn was the third business to be targeted when thieves broke in by forcing open a door panel. Cash, totalling around £100, was stolen.

Police are investigating all three break-ins and will be reviewing closed circuit television footage from the businesses as well as nearby businesses.

PC Tom Skelton of East Kilbride Community Police said: “We would urge all business owners to ensure their properties are locked and secure at night.

“All money and other valuables such as computers and cameras should be safely locked away when not in use.

“Anyone with any information on any of the break-ins should contact local police immediately.

“Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”