The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Thefts at Rewind Festival could be linked, say police
Tent raiders snatched mobile phones and cash while revellers slept
Police are hunting thieves who stole from Rewind Festival campers as they slept.
Investigators said 13 tents were targeted during the ’80s extravaganza in the grounds of Scone Palace.
Raiders snatched mobile phones and cash from inside the tents, while revellers were asleep and detectives believe the thefts could be linked to the same organised gang.
Among the victims was Ashley McMahon, whose mother Michelle Slater got married at the site’s inflatable chapel on Saturday.
She said three people were asleep in the tent when thieves struck.
“I didn’t hear a thing,” she said. “I’m usually a light sleeper, so I’m surprised I didn’t wake up.”
She said two bags, belonging to her and her friend, were snatched and later found dumped outside someone else’s tent.
“They took £100 from me, which was all my notes,” she said. “They left me with £14 in coins. They also left my phone.”
Her friend lost about £130 in cash and some cigarettes.
Ashley said she did not let the experience spoil on her weekend.
“We had a fantastic time. It was all the more enjoyable because my mum was getting married,” she said.
Thieves struck at six pitches in the blue camping area, three in red, two in yellow and one from the admission campsite area. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “All of these tents had the items taken while the occupants were asleep within their tents. As all of these thefts have been similar in style and in the items stolen, we believe there is a good chance they are linked.”
He said: “Given the nature of the event campsite, it would be difficult to say that anyone seen going between tents would be acting in a suspicious manner.
“However, there is a possibility that other tents were entered and the occupants disturbed, which would have caused the thief or thieves to be seen by those occupiers.”
Around 20,000 people flocked to Scone Palace for an action-packed weekend of live music.
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.