Californian tourist’s Inverness shoplifting spree hit Mountain Warehouse, Highland House of Fraser and House of Highland
A 51-year-old American tourist spent part of her holiday in the Highlands on a shoplifting spree because she was running out of money to buy souvenirs for family and friends.
Parikh Harshadbhai, from California, was arrested after police worked closely with retailers following an initial report of shoplifting.
Police Scotland confirmed that this led to officers recovering over £446 of stolen goods and eight further alleged shoplifting offences identified.
She appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court, represented by solicitor advocate Clare Russell after being held in custody overnight and pleaded guilty to six of the charges, involving goods worth just over £300.
The court heard that she stole clothing, gloves, foodstuffs and other tourist-related items from several shops including Mountain Warehouse, Highland House of Fraser and House of Highland.
She was fined a total of £420 and ordered to pay it within a 28-day period
Ms Russell said her client had been due to go to Ireland, then Edinburgh before going home on June 25 but was running out of money to ensure she could purchase gifts.
Sergeant John Murphy, from the city centre policing team, said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners and retailers within Inverness city centre - this approach allows us to identify those involved in criminality and deter them from these types of offences.
"Those that continue to be involved will be identified and arrested, as will offenders visiting the area as we continue to ensure our city centre space is a safe and enjoyable place for all."
