Rings taken in first Shetland Islands house theft this year

Shetland residents have been reminded to lock their doors after the first reported theft from a house on the islands this year.

Three rings, which included wedding and engagement rings, were stolen between 08:00 on Friday and 07:30 on Monday at a property in Lerwick located between Hill Lane and Back Charlotte Street.

Police Scotland said the jewellery stolen in the “sneak-in theft” was worth about £13,500.

They reminded people to keep their doors locked, despite it being common for people to leave them open to allow parcels to be delivered.

A sneak-in theft is one where the perpetrator opens an unlocked door to gain entry to a property.

The pieces of jewellery were described as white gold bands with diamond inset, one with a one carat diamond, and another with a teardrop sapphire.

The victim is said to be “extremely distressed” by the crime.

Police Scotland’s Shetland area commander Ch Insp Chris Sewell said housebreakings were “incredibly rare” on the islands with none recorded this year, but the number of common thefts had risen by 90%.

He added: “I would encourage all residents to lock their doors.

“I understand that it is common practice to leave doors unlocked to allow for parcels to be delivered, however I would discourage that practice.

“I would encourage the person who has taken the rings to do the right thing and return them.”

Police asked anyone who saw anything suspicious or was offered jewellery to buy to get in touch.