Thief broke into primary during school day to steal teachers' bank cards

A thief broke into a primary school while pupils were inside to steal bank cards from teachers.

George Irvine, 50, targeted a total of three schools in Glasgow between February 3 and 20, 2026.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how Irvine turned up at Cardonald Primary School at 9.20am.

The school’s admin worker noticed Irvine looking inside a window and putting on gloves.

When asked what he was doing, Irvine replied that he was looking for a form.

The employee stated to Irvine that there were no forms in the school and he was to look online before she returned to her office.

Prosecutor Josh Dowie said: “Irvine went around undetected and chapped on a fire exit and a pupil let him in.

“Irvine went inside an empty classroom where he found handbags belonging to two teachers

“Irvine stole five bank cards from the bags.”

Irvine went downstairs in the school where another member of staff noticed him walking along the corridor in front of her.

Irvine was spotted trying to exit through a door but was unable to open it. The member of staff then opened it for him.

He was later identified from CCTV.

The hearing was told that Irvine had spent £100 from one bank card at a computer repair shop. He also spent £9 on the other card.

Irvine had earlier broken into Hillpark Secondary in the city’s Pollokshaws while it hosted a dance competition at 6.05pm.

Irvine entered into the school’s PE department and searched through multiple bags.

A member of staff later noticed that the department had been accessed as a door had appeared to be damaged.

She found that her purse was no longer there. Transactions of £30, £39 and £34 were made on her card.

Irvine lastly broke into Sandwood Primary School in the city’s Penilee at night and made off with a radio and a green Glasgow City Council T-shirt.

Irvine pleaded guilty on Thursday to a total of five charges which include thefts.

Garvey McArdle, defending, told the court: “This was for profit offending. His record is extremely bad.”

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Owen Mullan who continued Irvine’s remand in custody meantime.

The sheriff told him: “This is no way to live your life.”

Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country