Police in Orkney are appealing to the public for information about four consecutive incidents in the Kirkwall area over the past week.
The first of those occurred in the early hour of Thursday last week, when unusual activity was reported in the area of Bruce’s stores in the town’s Victoria Street. Damage to property was discovered and items had been moved in an area at the rear of the property.
On Monday, it was reported that a property at Old McConnechies Garage in Mill Street had been entered and computer equipment was stolen. This incident happened between 4.30pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday.
A third incident was reported yesterday and it appears that an attempt was made to force entry to Wellpark Garden Centre in Mill Street. This occurred between 5pm on Monday and 7am on Tuesday and entry was not gained.
And between 5pm yesterday evening and 7am this morning, the NHS Orkney office premises at Garden House, New Scapa Road, was also entered. Inquiries are ongoing to ascertain whether anything has been stolen.
Police have encouraged anyone with information to make contact them at Kirkwall on 101 or give information via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.
Area Inspector Alicen Winston said: “These incidents are currently being investigated by the police at Kirkwall. Our local community in Orkney have reported suspicious activity in the past which has resulted in arrests and I would appeal to them for assistance in these cases.
“Local people know best and tend to notice activity out of the ordinary. I would like to reassure residents that all information we receive, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be used to help keep our community safe.”
”As always, I would remind members of the public to be vigilant in relation to the security of their properties and would encourage any person with information of any suspected criminal behaviour to contact the police.”
Meanwhile, police in Kirkwall recovered a “signficant quantity” of Cannabis at a property in the town.
A 21-year-old man was reported to the Procurator fiscal and appeared in Kirkwall Sheriff Court today in relation to the charge of cultivating and possessing the Class B drug.
He has been released on bail pending a further court appearance.
Area Inspector Alicen Winston said Police Scotland will remain focused on disrupting the supply and use of illegal substances in Orkney.