Gleneagles heist probe link to gangs in England

Police confirm thieves armed with guns

Organised crime gangs in the south of England could be linked to a £500,000 jewellery heist at Gleneagles, it has emerged.

Cars used in last week’s raid were reported stolen several weeks ago in London and Kent.

A blue Audi was found abandoned near the hotel, while a second vehicle – a grey Range Rover Evoque – was discovered burnt out at a Glasgow cemetery.

At a media briefing 10 days into the inquiry, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Patrick revealed that the gang made off with more than 50 Rolex watches worth more than £500,000.

Police have also confirmed for the first time that the men were armed with guns. Witnesses said that staff at Mappin and Webb were held up by shotgun, while other hotel workers were warned to “back off”.

A sledgehammer – which may hold the key to the investigation – was used to smash open a display cabinet.

Cars used in a £500,000 jewellery heist at Gleneagles were stolen weeks in advance from locations in the south of England, detectives have revealed.

Armed raiders targeted the worldfamous Auchterarder hotel last week and made off with a high-value haul of more than 50 Rolex watches.

Now, Police Scotland has rolled out its search for the gang across the country.

Ten days into the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Patrick said that a blue Audi getaway car, which was found abandoned near the hotel, had been stolen from Kent just days before.

A second car, a grey Range Rover Evoque, was found burnt out at a graveyard in Glasgow. DCI Patrick said it was stolen from an address in London in May.

For the first time investigators have confirmed that firearms were used in the robbery. Witnesses said they saw one of the gang point a shotgun at a member of staff at the front door and told him to “back off”.

It is understood the men were also armed with machetes. A large sledgehammer was used to smash open a display case at the jewellery shop.

DCI Patrick said three men dressed in black were seen on CCTV holding up staff at gunpoint.

“This was a particularly alarming crime,” he said.

“Three men made off with in excess of 50 watches worth £500,000 from the Mappin and Webb store.

“We are looking to trace the three men, but we believe they may have had assistance from others.

“They are described as wearing dark clothing, dark hats and had their faces partially covered.

“During the robbery, a firearm was presented at staff. Thankfully no shots were fired and no one was injured.”

DCI Patrick said both the Audi and the Range Rover had cloned number plates.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information regarding the theft of these vehicles to come forward,” he said.

Officers have been trawling through CCTV footage from inside and outside the hotel, as well as from roadside units along the A9.

The gang entered the hotel at around 11am on Tuesday June 27.

Firearms officers, dog search teams and a helicopter were deployed to the scene.

During the robbery, a firearm was presented at staff. DCI ANDY PATRICK

Picture: Steven Brown. DCI Andy Patrick talks at a press conference about the robbery.

Pictures: Steven Brown/Perthshire Picture Agency. A police car at Gleneagles Hotel soon after the raid; DCI Andy Patrick speaks to the media, top right; armed police hunt for the raiders, above centre; and police beside the abandoned Audi, close to the hotel.