Tips put coin theft police on crooks’ tails

POLICE investigating the theft of £500,000 worth of coins set to be donated to the National Museum of Scotland in the Capital have been flooded with tip-offs following a TV appeal.

The collection, which was taken from the home of Lord and Lady Stewartby in June 2007, features coins dating back to 1136.

Detectives investigating the theft from their home in Broughton, near Peebles, had hit a dead end despite a £50,000 reward being offered for information.

But a BBC Crimewatch appeal last Thursday led to more than 40 calls being received, and Lothian and Borders Police say they will analyse the information received before following up any new lines of inquiry.

Lady Stewartby said: “These coins are too well-known now, they can never be sold.

“This collection of coins is a national treasure and they should be on display.

“What is really galling for us is that my husband was about to hand them over to the National Museum of Scotland before they were stolen.

“It is our hope that whoever has them realises that they will never sell and just hands them back. Hopefully one day this collection will be on display for the benefit of the nation.”