Missing in Action: Agency calls in police over stolen boards

An estate agency has contacted the police after 26 of its boards disappeared since September 2018. 

Manor Estate Agents, an all-female agency also known as 'Manor Angels', believes it is being deliberately targeted by thieves and vandals.

The business, set up in 2017 by Sandra Hill, is based in Uddingston, on the outskirts of Glasgow, and has seen its boards disappear in nearby Cambuslang, as well as further away locations Largs and Larkhall.

It says it believes its selling and letting locations are being monitored via the portals.

The agency, which has four members of staff, charges a fixed fee of just £250 to market a property. It told local press that it orders around 30 boards at a time, costing approximately £800 for each batch.

"There [have] been more than a few incidences where we have thought that is not coincidence. It feels like we are getting targeted," Hill told the Sunday Post.

"When I saw a board kicked down yards from a house, I got really upset. You put your heart and soul into this, and a lot of your own investment."

"It’s heart-breaking that somebody wants to attack a small agency. All of our business is through word of mouth. It is hitting us in the pockets and it is not fair," she told the local paper.

The business owner also said that due to concerns for her staff's personal safety, the agency has stopped carrying out viewings after 7pm.

Police Scotland have confirmed that they are investigating the reports of stolen boards, but that no-one has been charged.