Police warning after spate of purse thefts in Perth city centre

Police in Perth are warning people to be on their guard against pickpockets in the run-up to Christmas following a spate of thefts in the city centre.

Three purses were stolen from women’s handbags as they were shopping on Saturday while the area was busy with crowds for the Christmas celebrations.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said: “We are advising residents to make sure they keep their handbags, purses and wallets safe to prevent them becoming the next victim.”

Police are also hunting for a bogus workman, who targeted a house in Manse Road, Perth, between 9am and 10am on November 17.

The man, described as being in his forties, stole jewellery and personal items after telling the house owner he was a gardener.

Officers are also trying to trace three men who were seen with ferrets and rabbit nets on Lochside Plantation, Wester Kinloch Farm, Blairgowrie, around 2pm on November 17.

A car wash machine at Crieff Hydro Hotel was broken into between 8am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday and a quantity of cash was stolen.

Vandals broke a window at the Elim Pentecostal Church in Princes Street, Perth, and thieves stole alcohol from a marquee at Moness House Hotel, Aberfeldy, around 1am on November 11.

A red Skoda Rapid parked in Ladeside, Perth, had three tyres damaged overnight on November 20-21. Vandals smashed a window of a grey Jaguar X-type in Strathtay Road, Perth, overnight on November 19-20.

Anyone with information on any of these crimes should phone 101.