Shock as theives set sights on holiday let
A Strath holiday cottage where NHS staff were enjoying a longawaited break was targeted by thieves at the weekend.
The accommodation on the shores of Loch Earn, between St Fillans and Lochearnhead, was broken into between 10.30 and 11.30am on Sunday.
Those responsible snatched guests’ ipads and airpods before stealing the keys to a white Vauxhall Corsa with the registration number NA70 HWM.
Beth Field of SB Property Management, which oversees the rural holiday home, believes the house was being watched by those responsible.
She said: “They must have been scouting the joint for them to know all the guests had left in one car. If anyone came up to a property and saw a car there you would assume there was someone in. The guests popped out for around one hour in another vehicle, leaving the Vauxhall at the property.
“Unfortunately, the upper Velux window was left slightly open and the thief climbed onto the wheelie bin then onto the roof and entered that way.
“They stole two ipads but left another two ipads. They didn’t take anything from the holiday home – they were after the car.”
Beth continued: “For two years we have lived with Covid and these poor nurses, who have worked so hard, had to put off their holiday during that time. They have come to our area for a long-awaited, welldeserved, break and this happens.
“They were having such a wonderful time until they got back and saw their car was gone. Also knowing that someone had been watching the house and been inside is awful.”
Red glass was found nearby and it is thought the car’s rear light was smashed in the thieves’ haste to make off.
Beth continued: “We know they went in the Crieff direction because when they got there they turned off the ipads.
“I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve never known anything like this. It makes you think twice about leaving your door unlocked or your keys in the car.
“Our job now is to make sure that everyone is safe. We have tightened up security and installed CCTV.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An investigation is under way following a report of a break-in and theft at a cottage in Lochearnhead. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call the non-emergency number, 101.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.