‘Terror’ as Asian families are targeted in break-ins

Police have stepped up patrols in Dundee after houses were targeted in a series of highvalue break-ins.

Officers are investigating at least seven raids or attempted raids on properties since the end of October.

Police had already confirmed they were hunting for two men in connection with six of the break-ins, but a seventh incident on Bonfire Night is now also being probed.

It is understood that Asian families are among those targeted – leading to concerns from the community about safety.

On Saturday October 30 there were properties targeted at Glamis Road and Dalrymple Terrace. The following day there were break-ins or attempted break-ins at Donald Gardens, Forfar Road, Vorlich Drive and Broughty Ferry Road. On Friday November 5 a property at Clayhills Grove was targeted.

Bashir Chohan, from Dundee Islamic Society, said he had been contacted by a number of people who are living in “total terror”.

He said: “Asian families throughout Dundee are terrified. They are afraid to leave their homes in case they are the next to be targeted – or even the criminals come back again.

“Until now we have never felt like Asian families have been targeted in any way in Dundee. We are now feeling like we are being singled out. We are feeling threatened and very afraid.”

Mr Chohan believes some of the families have been targeted because they often keep valuable jewellery at home.

A member of one of the families – who has asked not to be identified – said his home was turned over by the burglars.

He said: “We had valuable jewellery and money stolen but the worst thing is the total mess they left our home in.

“Everything was pulled to pieces. Beds were overturned, drawers emptied, floorboards lifted up, doors were smashed, cupboard doors were ripped off and even the dishwasher was damaged.”

The man said that women in his family are now afraid to be left alone.

He added: “They never used to worry. I go to prayer at the mosque at night but now they don’t want me to go because they are so afraid. This is just so sad. We have lived happily alongside everyone in Dundee for many years and now we don’t feel safe any more.”

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a number of high-value housebreakings and attempted housebreakings in Dundee, where jewellery and cash has been stolen.

“Each of the detached homes targeted have been accessed by a rear entrance during the evening when the occupants have been out. We are working to establish any links between these crimes. We are following a number of lines of inquiry and liaising with our colleagues from other areas who are investigating similar crimes.”

Chief Inspector Ross Fitzgerald, local area commander, said: “Uniform and plain-clothes patrols have been stepped up while our inquiries continue.

“Anyone with information on these crimes, or who sees someone acting suspiciously, should contact police.

“I would urge anyone with high-value jewellery and large amounts of cash not to keep them in the house, and to take the relevant security measures.

“If you have to store it in your house, store it securely and out of sight, such as in an anchored safe.

“Anyone with high-value items should take photos of them, as this can assist police with identifying the pieces, should they be recovered.”