Sick thieves break into care homes to steal cash

Homes in Dundee and Forfar targeted as elderly residents slept

Police are hunting a gang of thieves who targeted a string of care homes in Tayside.

The burglars gained entry to Harestane Care Home and Ballumbie Court Care Home in Dundee and a care home in Forfar while elderly and vulnerable residents were sleeping in their beds.

They made off with four-figure sums of cash including money from a comfort fund which had been raised by relatives, staff and volunteers.

Harestane care boss Andy Prior said: “We are shocked and saddened that individuals could carry out such a heartless act.”

Forensic officers were taking swabs from the windows at all three homes which had been removed by the gang to gain access.

Police are linking the three incidents which happened overnight on Thursday due to the short timescale and similar break-in method. All residents remained safe and undisturbed. Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said: “To target one for financial gain is unconscionable. For someone to hit three would be monstrous.”

Thieves have been branded “monstrous” after stealing comfort fund cash during overnight raids on three Tayside care homes.

The gang gained entry to Harestane Care Home and Ballumbie Court Care Home in Dundee, and a care home in Forfar within a few hours of each other in the early hours of Thursday morning.

It is understood they removed the entire window from its frame in all three cases.

Police are linking the incidents due to the timescale and similar method.

Harestane Care Home in Dundee’s Kirkton estate said it will replace a fourfigure sum which was stolen from its comfort fund.

Priority Care director Andy Prior said he was “shocked and saddened that individuals could carry out such a heartless act”.

He said: “The most sickening part is that most of the money taken was from the client comfort fund.

“This money has been raised with great effort by relatives, staff and volunteers through numerous events and activities.

“We will ensure the funds are replaced to ensure clients are unaffected.

“The police and forensics team have been very supportive and professional throughout.”

Mr Prior said the home has an advanced CCTV system which they hope will assist the police in catching the thieves.

A spokeswoman for Ballumbie Court Care Home said the safety of its residents was its “utmost priority”.

She said: “While we are deeply saddened and angered that local care homes have been targeted by thieves, we can confirm that no one was hurt during this unfortunate incident.

“All residents remained safe and undisturbed, with the robbery targeting the administration part of the home, which is located away from residents.”

She also confirmed that the stolen money would be replaced by the central office so residents would not be affected.

Police dressed in forensic suits combed for clues at all three locations following the early-morning raids, and inquiries are ongoing to trace the gang.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Dundee attended at Harestane Nursing Home around 9.30am on Thursday following a report of a break-in overnight. A four-figure sum of money was taken.

“There was also a break-in at Ballumbie Nursing Home, reported around 3am on Thursday, where a fourfigure sum was taken, and a third break in to a care home in Forfar overnight.

“Officers believe these incidents may be linked.”

Shadow Justice Secretary Liam Kerr said: “Residential homes are supposed to be safe places for our loved ones to rest. To target one for financial gain is unconscionable.”

“Residential homes are supposed to be safe places for our loved ones to rest. SHADOW JUSTICE SECRETARY LIAM KERR