Career thieves targeted House of Bruar
Two career thieves who targeted one of Scotland's most prestigious retailers whave each been jailed for 10 months.
- Published in the Courier : 10.06.11
- Published online : 10.06.11 @ 03.56pm
John Todd, from Bishopbriggs, and David Cameron, from Glasgow, were caught in the act as they attempted to rob the House of Bruar, near Blair Atholl.
They had hoped to make off with high-value clothing from the exclusive shopping destination, which offers luxury items to Perthshire's well-heeled rural population and cash-rich tourists.
However, their enterprise, described at Perth Sheriff Court as "a planned and organised attempt to steal high-value items" was quickly stopped by vigilant staff.
Shoplifter Todd (57), who the court heard suffered from a heart condition, was spotted in the House of Bruar's knitwear hall on September 11, 2009, as he worked in tandem with an unnamed co-accused.
He was seen to remove a £400 coat from a rack and pass it into a changing room. The court heard there had been no recovery of the item, although Todd was apprehended.
His solicitor told the court that, given his condition, he was not capable of fleeing very far, to which presiding Sheriff Robert McCreadie replied that he was aged 62 and was more than capable of running.
Cameron (36), of Larchgrove Road, Glasgow — a long-term heroin addict — came to the attention of staff as he filled a backpack with items of clothing during a visit to the House of Bruar the following month.
He was seen on the premises on October 6, 2009, and the court heard suspicions were raised about his actions and the contents of a bag in his possession.
When he became aware of their suspicions, he was seen to put the bag down and make off. It was found to contain two leather jackets worth a total of £1600.
Sheriff Robert McCreadie told Todd, "You have a record of thieving going back to 1969, when you were a juvenile.
"Your record shows 20 previous convictions for dishonesty and I see that at one point you were imprisoned for 20 months in connection with shoplifting.
"This was a planned and organised attempt to steal high-value items from the House of Bruar.
"Fortunately, staff there were alive to the activities of criminals such as yourself and you were spotted and watched."
He ordered Todd to spend the next 10 months behind bars and delivered the same sentence against co-accused Cameron.
He added, "You also have a poor record, which includes appearances at Glasgow High Court on drugs charges, for which you were given 10 years; on firearms charges for which you received three years.
"I also see convictions for shoplifting an a sentence of 23 months in relation to assault and robbery that you are currently serving."
Sheriff McCreadie told Cameron the 10 months would begin once he has completed his current prison sentence.
