Police alert over Cullen thieves
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POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a distraction theft involving almost £1,500 worth of jewellery at Cullen Collectibles in Cullen last Wednesday.
Two men and a woman – believed to have been Turkish or Egyptian – took about 20 nine- and 18-carat gold rings.
Meg McLeod, who owns the shop with her partner, said: "There was a younger man who was shouting at me, just grabbing anything and asking how much it was, trying to distract me.
"An older man just filled his pockets, I think.
"I was shouting them to put the rings back. There was a lot of shouting and noise going on, their arms were waving. the woman blocked me deliberately from getting to the jewellery cabinet.
"I was trying to get the rings off the older man. He just ignored me and the other two kept me away.
"They took a whole tray from a counter with gold rings.
"It was a mix of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, amethyst and cubic zirconia."
Some of the pieces were up to 40 years old.
Police say the first man is described as being in his 40s and 50s, with short grey hair, a stocky build and wearing light-coloured clothing.
He has also been described as having distinctive teeth.
The second man is described as being in his teens to early 20s, with short black hair and possibly facial hair, with a slim build and wearing a sports-type top.
The woman is described as being in her 40s and 50s, with very long, black hair and a slim build, wearing green-coloured clothing.
All three speak with a foreign accent.
They may be using a silver-coloured Vauxhall Vectra.
Grampian Police are advising all shop owners to take special care and be aware of this type of theft.
Anyone who witnessed this theft or has any information about these types of thefts is urged to contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if they wish to remain anonymous.
