POLICE are appealing for information after a fresh wave of thefts against commercial premises in the Greater Fort William area this week.
Six businesses were targeted overnight on Monday and into Tuesday – bringing to 18 the number of sites hit since the start of the year. Northern Constabulary believe all the incidents may be linked.
This week’s break-ins were spread across sites at Corpach, Caol, Banavie and Fort William and saw thieves make off with cash and laptop computers.
ScanBio at Corpach, Breedon Aggregates’ quarry at Banavie, the Hawco Volkswagen showroom at Caol and the Ben Nevis Motors garage and showroom on North Road, Fort William were all broken into.
The culprits also attempted to break into the Slipway Autos garage at Corpach and the Soutar’s Lass cruise boat which is currently docked at Corpach Basin while it undergoes a re-fit.
Police said yesterday a number of positive lines of enquiry are being followed and businesses are being advised to ensure their buildings are fully secured when left overnight.
Fort William inspector Donald Campbell told Lochaber News: "Although our enquiries are an early stage in relation to this week’s break- ins there is a clear link with the previous incidents in January.
"I would appeal for any witnesses to come forward and report any suspicious activity they might have seen in and around commercial premises after business hours.
"We’ve had a number of calls on the earlier incidents and I would hope the public will be just as helpful with regard to this week’s."
He added: "Any information, no matter how unimportant people may think it is, will be gratefully accepted."
Insp Campbell also urged business owners to ensure they have put sufficient security arrangements in place and to do their best to leave an "absolute minimum" of cash in their premises overnight.
He said: "Some of the targets have had alarms while a number of premises have not had such security measures. I would encourage all businesses to beef up their security."
Anyone with information should contact Fort William Police Station, on 01397 702361 or the confidential line on 01397 702000.
People can also contact the police, anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Premises targeted last month by thieves included Caol Primary School, the Stagecoach Bus Depot, Harbro agricultural store, Direct Pet Supplies, Marine Harvest and Fergusson Caol, a number of yards on the Ben Nevis Estate and the MacPherson’s Welding Yard on North Road.
