Residents on alert after break-ins

A Shawhead woman has hit out after a spate of break-ins across the area.

Keirsten Smith’s garage was one of five targeted during the early hours of last Wednesday.

Yet, bizarrely the only item stolen from any of the raids was a crate of beer.

These are the latest concerning incidents on the estate, after items worth £1000 were stolen from another garage days before.

Keirsten, who runs the Shawhead community Facebook page, believes the vandals and would-be thieves were on the hunt for expensive Christmas gifts. She said:“It was just after 6am and I had a wee look down the street and noticed the garage door open.

“It was strange because the padlocks were all intact. Whoever it was had cut directly through the locks.

“Everything in mine was accounted for and it was the same with the other garages. We think they must have been after gift items.

“Even though the garages are slightly down the road, its not nice knowing people are snooping around your property.

“It’s happening so often that it feels like Shawhead is being targeted.”

Keirsten added:“I know the police don’t have the manpower to prioritise this but I’ve never known so much to happen here; something needs done.

“Garages are being broken into, windows are being smashed and cars are being vandalised.

“More CCTV needs to be put around the area because it doesn’t feel very safe at the moment.”

Fellow resident Ashley McGrath, whose family were victim to the burglary which saw £1000 worth of items stolen, advised people to be vigilant in a Facebook post.

She wrote:“It’s disgusting to break into houses. I felt totally violated.

“Everyone be careful and stay safe at this time of year.”

Coatbridge South cuncillor Tracy Carragher is keen to help resolve the issue and said:“I am aware of the recent anti-social bahaviour and have been in contact with the community police and Fulton Macgregor MSP.

“We’ve agreed to hold a joint surgery in Shawhead community centre on Thursday, January 11 at 7pm.”

Police Inspector Louise Brownlie added:“There has been some guidance provided on social media by Police Scotland regarding members of the public ensuring that they have suitable locks and security systems attached to outhouses and garages.

“During the festive period it is advisable to keep all Christmas gifts out of sight in vehicles and homes to avoid giving thieves the opportunity to break-in.”