Police probe fireplace thefts

Thieves broke into the four-floor townhouse in Abercromby Place, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, and removed the marble fireplaces from its walls. Police are now probing whether a worker at the site, or someone with knowledge of the building's interior, was involved in the theft.

The fireplaces, which were valued at 10,000 each by an insurance assessor just weeks ago, were removed using tools left by builders inside the home.

Site bosses believe only a "professional" with knowledge of the building trade could have carried out the extraction without damaging the antique fireplaces.

At least two people are suspected of being involved due to the size of the fireplaces.

Conservation architect Lorn MacNeal, based in St Vincent Street, is developing the property on behalf of the owner, who lives in Hong Kong, alongside building firm Playfair.

Mr MacNeal said: "There was a spate of fireplace thefts around 15 years ago and that led developers to protect fireplaces in their buildings with greater security. There hasn't been any of these thefts for a while which is possibly why we've been a little lax with security here. We think it may have been an inside job in terms of what was taken and how they broke in. It was a well-conceived theft which was carefully thought through."

The thieves broke in through a window before selecting the two fireplaces, removing them from the walls, and taking them down stairs and out the front door of the building, which is next door The Royal Scots Club.

A boiler and copper pipes, cut free using tools from the scene, were also stolen during the raid.

The Playfair site manager at the property, who asked not to be named, said: "I would say those involved had experience in the building trade because of the care and professionalism in removing the fireplaces.

"I have 100 per cent confidence in those employed by Playfair, and the electricians and plumbers we regularly use. But many people are involved in projects, often for only a day or two, and you take them on trust."

The theft of the items, which police believe may have been stolen to order, took place between 7pm on Thursday 13 May and 7:30am on Friday 14 May.

Detective Constable Craig Park, from Gayfield Square police station, is leading the inquiry.

He said: "It clearly looks like someone who has been inside the premises, or has knowledge of it, is involved.It's possible these fireplaces are already on their way to London or somewhere, or perhaps, as has been suggested to me, the US."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity, on 0800-555 111.