The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Man charged in connection with Gleneagles heist
Police also release CCTV of man wanted in relation to June incident
A man has been charged in connection with a £500,000 jewellery heist at the Gleneagles Hotel.
Armed thieves allegedly struck at the five-star establishment in Auchterarder on Tuesday June 27.
Witnesses said a gang of men armed with firearms threatened staff at the hotel’s Mappin and Webb store, smashed up a display case and made off with 50 designer watches worth around half a million pounds.
A force spokesman said on Friday: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 41-year-old man has been charged in connection with the armed robbery at Gleneagles Hotel.”
He added: “A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal and he is expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court on Monday.”
Meanwhile, investigators have also released CCTV images showing another man wanted in connection with the incident.
The suspect, who is believed to have links with the London area, is seen shopping at WH Smith and walking through a train station.
Emergency services were scrambled to the hotel at around 11am on the day of the raid.
Armed police and search dogs were deployed to Gleneagles train station and a helicopter continued the hunt from the sky.
Cars used in last month’s raid were reported stolen several weeks before in London and Kent.
A blue Audi, believed to be the getaway car, was found abandoned near the hotel, while a second vehicle – a grey Range Rover Evoque – was found burnt out in a Glasgow cemetery.
Police have also appealed for any information about the sledgehammer used in the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Patrick, who is leading the inquiry, described the tool as an Am-Tech 4lb hammer and said it was used to smash a display case.
“This type of hammer can be widely purchased at a variety of locations,” he said. “What I am really appealing for is anyone who may have seen someone with the hammer to come forward.”
Investigators have been trawling through CCTV footage from inside and outside the hotel, as well as from roadside units along the A9.
Anyone with information is urged to call Police Scotland on 101.