Thousands of pounds stolen from care homes in overnight raids

Care home managers and residents have been left “shocked” and “saddened” after thieves stole thousands of pounds during overnight raids on three Tayside care homes.

Harestane Care Home, Ballumbie Court Care Home in Dundee and a care home in Forfar were all broken into within a few hours of each other in the early hours of Thursday morning.

It is believed the thieves removed the entire window from its frame in all three care homes to gain access to the offices.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Dundee attended at Harestane Nursing Home around 9.30am on Thursday following a report of a break-in overnight. A four-figure sum of money was taken and enquiries are ongoing.

“Officers believe these incidents may be linked and it is one line of enquiry being investigated.”

'The most sickening part is that most of the money taken was from the client comfort fund'

Priority Care who owns Harestane Care Home in Dundee said thieves stole thousands from the residents' comfort fund.

Priority Care director Andy Prior said: “The most sickening part is that most of the money taken was from the client comfort fund. This money has been raised with great effort by relatives, staff and volunteers through numerous events and activities.

Mr Prior said he was “shocked and saddened that individuals could carry out such a heartless act”.

“As a company, we will ensure the funds are replaced to ensure clients are unaffected. The police and forensics team have been very supportive and professional throughout.”

The break-in at Ballumbie Nursing Home was reported around 3am on Thursday where a four-figure sum was taken and a third break-in at a care home in Forfar.

A spokeswoman for Ballumbie Court Care Home in Dundee said: “The safety of our residents is our utmost priority. While we are deeply saddened and angered that local care homes, including our own, have been targeted by thieves, we can confirm that no one was hurt during this unfortunate incident.

“All residents remained safe and undisturbed, with the robbery targeting the administration part of the home which is located away from residents. Once colleagues were made aware of the robbery, they acted immediately to contact police and follow the relevant internal procedures.

“We continue to work closely with the police to support their investigation and can confirm that it was money belonging to the home that was taken. This will be reimbursed by our central office so that residents are not affected by this crime.”

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said the public will want to see “justice done to any perpetrator, and quickly.

“Residential homes are supposed to be safe places for our loved ones to rest. To target one for financial gain is unconscionable. For someone to hit three would be monstrous.”

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