Stolen SUV car used for Tayside crime spree found abandoned in Dundee park

A stolen Mitsubishi SUV used in a crime spree across Tayside has been found abandoned in a Dundee park.

Forensic officers were combing the Shogun car for evidence in Finlathen Park on Wednesday morning.

It comes after police launched an appeal to trace the car on Tuesday, as it is linked to six break-ins in Dundee and Angus – carried out in just 90 minutes.

Officers say the grey SUV was stolen from the Lunan area overnight between Friday and Saturday.

The car, with licence number SB05 YXA, was then used in a series of raids or attempted raids early on Monday – including a break-in at a Broughty Ferry shop and a pub in Carnoustie.

Those living nearby say they saw police arrive at the park at around 7am on Wednesday.

One man walking in Finlathen Park said the car was abandoned near the Fintryside entrance.

‘Forensic officers were checking receipts’

He said: “I was coming over the bridge this morning towards Fintry when I saw the coppers down in the long grass.

“I know it’s a 4×4 but I’m amazed they managed to dump it where they have.

“There were two coppers at the scene and the forensic officers were checking receipts from the car or bits of paper.

“It was hard to get a proper look at the vehicle as it was partially covered with branches.”

Police have been approached for comment regarding the discovery.

Launching their appeal on Tuesday afternoon, officers said the car had been used to target properties from 2.45am until 4.15am.

Series of early-morning incidents

2.45am: The car was used in an attempt to break into a unit at West Pitkerro Industrial Estate, Dundee.
3.25am: The thieves attempted to gain entry to premises on Dundee Street, Carnoustie.
3.30am: The vehicle was used as part of another attempted break-in on Station Road, Carnoustie.
3.50am: The crooks targeted The Craw’s Nest pub on Ravensby Park Gardens in the town, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.
3.55am: The car was driven to Ferry Road in Monifieth where another attempted break-in was reported.
4.15am: Broughty Ferry News on King Street was broken into with the thieves making off with cigarettes and cash.

Police asked anyone who saw the car or any of the raids to call 101, quoting incident 0910 of June 18.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.