Police have launched an appeal for information after a village convenience store was targeted in a late-night smash and grab raid.
Thieves broke into the Co-op on Tarves Road in Pitmedden at about 11.30pm on Sunday, breaking the shop’s front door and making off with a haul of cigarettes.
Police could be seen stationed outside the shop today, while the entrance was taped-off as investigations took place.
Local councillor Andrew Hassan called the raid “frustrating” and said such incidents risked stretching police resources at a time when they are working flat-out to keep communities safe during lockdown.
Officers have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time – including drivers with dash-cam footage – to come forward and help with their inquiries.
Detective Sergeant John Pirie said: “This is a brazen attack on a local convenience store.
“I urge anyone with information or anyone passing by at the time of the crime with dash-cam footage to call police on 101.”
Earlier this month, an Aberdeen supermarket was targeted in a similar smash and grab raid.
Thieves broke into Lidl on King Street, making off with hundreds of pounds of alcohol and forcing the store to close for half a day.
These incidents buck recent trends, however, with figures released last week by the National Police Chiefs’ Council showing a fall in burglaries by a third since the country entered lockdown.
Mr Hassan said: “It’s frustrating when police resources are going into looking at a theft like this, at a time when they’re busy trying to keep us safe and getting us used to a different way of living.
“And it’s obviously disappointing for the shop itself.
“No-one wants to see a business being the victim of this sort of crime at any time, but particularly at a time like this.
“I’d urge anyone who has any information to come forward and contact the police.
“Hopefully they’re able to deal with it, even though under lockdown I fear witnesses will be few and far between.”