Postman jailed for parcel thefts

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A postman who stole about 90 parcels to help pay off his debts has been jailed for six months.

Peebles Sheriff Court was told Alastair Anderson took gift vouchers and cash from the packets to meet debts following the break-up of his marriage.

He was caught after a sting operation by suspicious managers.

The surveillance operation included planting bogus parcels into his round in Peebles, the court heard. Anderson has since resigned from his job.

Fiscal depute Morag McLintock told the court that 48-year-old Anderson, who had been employed at the Peebles depot for eight years but now lives in Clydebank, committed the crimes over a four-month period last year.

Gift vouchers and cards were later found at his home and he told officers what he'd spent the money on

Morag McLintock
Fiscal depute
Peebles Post Office had received several complaints after packets containing gift vouchers and cash failed to be delivered.

Other items were also raided, with the remains of envelopes sealed in "damaged" plastic bags and popped through letter boxes.

Ms McLintock said managers at the depot had already been suspicious of Anderson for a year before the complaints were received.

"Surveillance was first put on the accused in the previous October with the situation being monitored", she added.

"In October 2008, complaints were made about missing packages and test packages were used on the accused's round - this is how he was caught.

"Gift vouchers and cards were later found at his home and he told officers what he'd spent the money on."

'Matrimonial debt'

Anderson resigned from his job on 13 December - the week after the sting operation snared him.

Defence agent Heather Stewart said: "At the time of these offences Mr Anderson had separated from his wife.

"It was great pressure from matrimonial debt that led to this happening. He is extremely remorseful for what he did."

Passing sentence, Sheriff John Horsburgh said: "These offences are extremely serious and I cannot deal with them in any other way than custody."