Hunt for masked men who broke into Glasgow shops to steal vapes worth thousands of pounds

An appeal has been launched after masked men broke into a number of shops in Glasgow in order to steal e-cigarettes worth thousands of pounds.

Police are appealing for information after ten businesses in Shawlands, Govanhill and Castlemilk reported being broken into in the early hours of the morning between December 10 and February 28.

On each occasion, vape-type e-cigarettes, collectively valued at a five-figure sum, have been stolen.

Officers believe all the incidents are linked with the shops being specifically targeted.

Detective Constable Andrew Lambie said: “Until very recently we did not have any description of those involved, however, in the last housebreaking at a store on Cathcart Road near Preston Street, Govanhill, three masked men dressed in dark clothing are seen to enter the premises around 5am and then they get into a light-coloured car and drive along Cathcart Road towards Govanhill Park.

“Officers are appealing for assistance from the local community about the incidents which took place in and around Sinclair Drive, Cathcart Road, Pollokshaws Road, Kilmarnock Road. If you have noticed any unusual activity at businesses in the early hours of the morning or heard shop alarms going off, then please get in touch.

“We’d also be keen to hear from any shopkeepers in those areas to come forward if for example, they may have disturbed people out with trading hours or noticed anyone or vehicles loitering at their store locations.

“Police have been providing security advice to the shopkeepers involved and would urge other similar businesses to review their security arrangements and to contact police if they have any concerns.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference number 0422 of Wednesday February 28, 2024. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.