Petrol station machines targeted by thieves twice in nine days

Thieves have targeted a jet wash machine at a petrol station in Perth for the second time in a week and a half.

The forecourt machines at the Jet site on Edinburgh Road near the South Inch and the prison were broken into at around 1.20am on Tuesday October 29.

The machines were also raided in the early hours of October 21 when a quantity of cash was stolen.

Officers have now warned machine operators in the area to be vigilant.

In the latest attempt, the machines had been emptied that day, and the culprit left empty-handed.

The petrol station now has a policy of emptying the machines at least twice a day and always before the shop closes.

The suspect, described as male, about 5ft 9in, medium build and wearing all dark clothing, forced open the machine in what was believed to be an attempt to access the money box.

CCTV at the petrol station showed him entering the forecourt from the direction of some nearby tenements, away from the main road, possibly through a damaged fence.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to call 101 or speak to any officer.

A spokesperson said: “We would ask any operators of these types of machines in the area to ensure they empty the cash boxes daily and to secure them as best possible.”

Information can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

In a new report Tayside Police confirmed that an increase of CCTV within shops has assisted greatly with the identification and detection of perpetrators.