Police have issued an urgent warning to drivers after a gang dubbed the 'Corsa Cartel' targeted Vauxhall motors across Scotland. Officers are probing a number of incidents involving thieves ripping the bonnets off cars in West Lothian, Edinburgh and Fife over the past few days.
It's understood that Corsas are being specifically targeted for parts during the spate of robberies and police are now appealing for information. Earlier today, we told how Jody and Greig Allan, from Cowdenbeath, were the latest to fall victim to the callous crime after they woke up to find their car in pieces outside their home on Wednesday morning.
Two Corsas were also ripped apart in the nearby village Crossgates on Tuesday night - and that followed news that two of the same style vehicles had also been damaged at Livingston South train station and another on Stenhouse Street East in Edinburgh over the weekend.
Officers in West Lothian are now warning motorists to be "mindful of their vehicle security" after cops in the area revealed they received seven reports between Tuesday, September 13, and Saturday, September 24. Those incidents have taken place in Broxburn, Bathgate, Livingston and Winchburgh.
There has been some speculation the cars are being targeted for parts after manufacturing delays caused by Covid.
Detective Inspector John Murphy said: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries into this spate of incidents and whether it’s a trend or being carried out by a single individual or group.
“We would ask anyone with information, or if you see any anyone trying to sell Corsa parts online or in person, to please call police on 101, quoting incident 0523 of September 16.
“At this time, we’d also urge car owners in West Lothian – regardless of its make – to be mindful of your security. Keep your vehicle locked and if you can park in a secure or well-lit location, do so. If you are a victim of a similar crime, report it to police.”
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