Airgun fired into town street from window

A man has been charged with firearms offences after an airgun was dangerously fired from the window of a Coatbridge house.

Cops were called to the scene on Oxford Street at around midnight on Friday and seized “several firearms” from the property.

The 28-year-old charged with firing the gun was then reported over the incident and police have warned Monklands residents of the dangers of discharging a weapon in busy communities.

Inspector Louise Brownlie, of Coatbridge police, said: “The use of any firearm in built-up areas is incredibly dangerous and the consequences of striking a person can be fatal.

“There is a zero tolerance for firearms incidents and the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 comes fully into effect on December 31.

“The new law will require any person who possesses, purchases, uses or acquires an air weapon to have a certificate to hold them legally.

“It will be an offence not to have a certificate for these purposes from December 31, unless you are exempt. Applications should be made to Police Scotland for a certificate.”

Masked thieves target vehicles

Masked thieves stole items from cars parked in an Airdrie industrial estate at the weekend – and police are appealing for information on the brazen theft.

The gang were seen on CCTV cameras entering a yard at Stirling Road Industrial Estate at 11.40pm on Saturday.

They were wearing balaclavas and in possession of tools as they tried to force open roller shutters of a portable building before removing items from vehicles parked there and making off with their loot.

Inspector Brownlie added: “Any information relating to this theft can be passed on to officers at Airdrie police office by calling 101.”

Trio steal games machine cash

Police are looking to trace a trio of destructive thieves who stole a three-figure sum of cash from a gaming machine at a bowling entertainment complex – and then smashed a window while leaving the premises.

Two men and a woman were seen playing the “Dark Escape” interactive game at The Hollywood Bowl in Baillieston – across from Showcase Cinema – at 7.15pm last Friday.

A short time later the trio moved to the venue’s bar area and ordered drinks before leaving through the main entrance.

Staff at the bowling facility later discovered the games machine had been broken into and the money within stolen.

Inspector Brownlie told the Advertiser: “CCTV also revealed that one of the males smashed a window by striking it with a bag while leaving the premises.

“The three suspects are described as being between 30 and 40 years of age with northwest English accents.

“Members of the public with information regarding the theft and damage, or whereabouts of the culprits, are asked to call Coatbridge officers on 101.”

Investigation into smashed window

A window was smashed at the Coatbridge Business Centre in what police are linking to a recent outbreak in youth disorder in the town.

The damage was found by security staff at the town centre venue last Thursday morning.

There was no entry gained to the business centre and the act of vandalism is being investigated by Coatbridge community police officers.

Inspector Brownlie said: “Youth disorder and vandalism in the town centre – extending to Coatbank Way and Hozier Street – is still causing concern for residents and businesses.

“Low level acts of disorder and damage, which may seem unimportant to young people, adversely affects members of our community and causes unnecessary expense for householders and businesses to repair damage.

“Those who wish to report any acts of vandalism, disorder or anti-social behaviour are encouraged to call Coatbridge police on 101, or anonymous hotline Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.”

The use of any firearm in built-up areas is incredibly dangerous and the consequences can be fatal