Boots and Co-op stores targeted by brazen Helensburgh thief

Police issued a witness appeal earlier this week following the thefts at the town's Co-op store in Sinclair Street and at the Boots outlet down the road.

A man described as in his mid-30s to mid-40s, with brown or dark hair, wearing a grey jacket and grey face mask, allegedly entered the groceries shop at around 8.40pm on Monday, January 18, and again during the afternoon two days later, and removed several bottles of alcohol from open displays before leaving without paying for the goods.

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A male of similar description, slim build and this time also wearing a backpack, was also spotted on CCTV forcing entry to Boots chemist on Sinclair Street before leaving with a large quantity of perfumes and an electric toothbrush.

The suspect allegedly forced entry into the shop at around 9.20pm on Saturday, January 24, taking various items before fleeing the scene.

The suspect is described as wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident at Boots; he also had a dark hat and dark face covering and was wearing a long dark coat with the hood up.

He is said to have approached the shop from the direction of Clyde Street, before forcing open the bottom glass panel to the door and entering.

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Police say he left via the same door window and made off north, towards Princes Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number, 101 quoting incident 3428 of January 24, 2021.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be provided anonymously.

Officers also warned residents to be wary if they are offered any whisky, perfume or aftershave at a cheap price, as it is likely to be stolen property.

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