The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Raider in ski mask targets car dealership
Man captured on CCTV in early hours after disarming a security light
Police are investigating after a man in a ski mask was spotted allegedly attempting to break into an exclusive Angus garage.
Staff at Augustus Autos Car Dealership in Barry, near Carnoustie, caught the would-be raider wandering through their premises at 2.25am yesterday.
He was captured on CCTV bursting open the company mail box, disarming a security light and allegedly attempting to break in to the office, before being chased away.
And the business, which deals in specialist and performance vehicles, sparked an appeal to find the “loser” and even offered a cash reward for anyone with information which lead to him being traced.
Staff are now warning other local businesses to be extra cautious when it comes to security.
An online statement from Augustus Autos said: “Had this rather bold gentleman in a balaclava at the property despite lights and cameras all off at 2.25am last night, all on camera, burst open mail box, disarmed one security light, attempted break into office, no vehicles damaged.
“We were alerted by our system and at the scene in seven mins.
“Please share and other local businesses keep your place well locked up.
Long gone are the days where you could walk away and leave your door open
“He was chased off the property after seven mins and into a car halfway up the road waiting for him.
“Healthy cash reward for any info that leads to the finding of this loser. Police also aware.”
He was wearing a green camouflage top, olive tracksuit bottoms and a black ski mask.
A police spokeswoman said the force had been made aware and officers are making inquiries into the incident.
Independent councillor for Carnoustie and District David Cheape said: “I think there has definitely been an increase in opportunistic crime, particularly in and around Carnoustie.
“I think it just reiterates the view that people have to take security very seriously.
“Long gone are the days where you could walk away and leave your door open.
“Of course with commercial businesses, the same goes for them and they tend to be better used to it, they tend to have alarms and CCTV in place.
“It doesn’t take away from the fact that people will give it a go. You’d think things like flood lighting would scare people off. Some people will just go for the opportunity of it.”