Burglar caught when he tried to sell loot on eBay

Thief’s crime spree in St Andrews resulted in him stealing items worth in the region of £17,800

A brazen thief was caught following a burglary spree after trying to sell his haul on the internet.

Hapless home raider Robert Cathcart Watson went on a spree of thefts in St Andrews last autumn, targeting the houses and flats of students.

But Watson, 57, was caught when an eBay account registered in his partner’s name was discovered to be selling the stolen goods to unsuspecting members of the public.

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told the court one of his victims discovered their stolen goods up for sale on the popular online market place and contacted the police.

She said: “The accused is 57 years old and currently unemployed.

“He has previous analogous convictions including theft, reset and a sexual offence.

“In relation to the first charge, he broke into a property on Dempster Terrace when the owners were away on holiday.

“He stole a number of items, including a jewellery box and jewellery, £750, €500, 250 Swiss Francs and $200.

“He also stole antique coins which had a sentimental value to the owner, as they were from her late father.”

Watson also stole, from various St Andrews properties, items including a Chanel handbag, Versace sunglasses, a Barbour jacket, branded headphones, various pieces of jewellery and a laptop.

The value of the thefts was estimated to be worth around £17,800.

Following a search at his property, Watson was questioned, telling police at first he had picked up the goods at a car boot sale.

Police were able to recover around £5,000 of the goods – including the sentimental vintage coins.

A check on one of the stolen phones revealed photographs of the stolen goods, as well as internet searches apparently researching some of the items’ worth.

Watson, of Dundee, pleaded guilty on indictment to five charges of theft and one of reset at various properties in St Andrews between September and October 2016.

Sentence was deferred by Sheriff Alistair Carmichael until September 11 for background reports.

“He also stole antique coins which had a sentimental value to the owner, as they were from her late father. DEPUTE FISCAL EILIDH ROBERTSON