The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
CCTV catches safe thieves in the act
Footage released of raid on smokehouse
Thieves made off with a safe containing precious family heirlooms in an early morning raid on an East Neuk family business – but not before they were caught in the act on CCTV.
Billy Morris, owner of the Rhu An Fhodar Smokehouse at St Monans, has released the security camera footage in the hope someone will recognise them and report them to the police.
The pair were filmed leaving the premises on the Netherton Industrial Estate at around 2.30am on Saturday.
Mr Morris, whose firm JC Morris and Sons has been producing smoked fish and seafood products in St Monans since 1974, said the stolen safe held documents and items of sentimental value that he was desperate to get back.
“It was quite a heavy, substantial safe but they carried it up to the main road so they obviously had transport up there,” he said.
“Having your space violated like that, it doesn’t feel right. I don’t feel safe or secure anymore.”
An East Neuk businessman has released CCTV footage of thieves who targeted his fish shed and made off with family heirlooms in the early hours of the morning.
The two raiders escaped with a safe from the Ru An Fhodar Smokehouse unit at the Netherton Industrial Estate, St Monans, following the early morning break-in on Saturday.
Owner Billy Morris is appealing for anyone who might recognise the pair who were caught on camera to go to the police.
The 53-year-old said the stolen safe contained business documents and items of sentimental value to him and his family that he was desperate to get back.
Mr Morris said one of the thieves appeared to be about 5ft 5in, while the other was about 5ft 8in. They struck at around 2.30am on Saturday.
“They had been around previously at about 1.30am, shining a torch through the window and stuff,” he said.
“There was another business targeted in St Monans as well but they didn’t gain entry.”
Mr Morris said the thieves seemed focused on their target and must have come prepared.
“There was a charity box in here. They left that and didn’t rifle the drawers. They were straight in, got the safe and out again,” he said.
“It took two of them to carry it. It was quite a heavy, substantial safe but they carried it up to the main road so they obviously had transport up there.
“We’re covered with CCTV cameras which they either didn’t notice or it wasn’t enough of a deterrent.
“Having your space violated like that, it doesn’t feel right. I don’t feel safe or secure anymore.”
JC Morris and Sons has been producing smoked fish and seafood products in St Monans since 1974, selling under the Ru An Fhodar Smokehouse brand.
Freshly-caught salmon, herring, mackerel and mussels are prepared in the smokehouse.
Police have now issued an appeal for information.
A spokeswoman said: “Police in Fife are investigating a break-in to a business in St Monans, which took place around 1.30am on Saturday August 25.
“Anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour or vehicles in the area, or who has information which may be able to help, is urged to contact Levenmouth CID via 101.”
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.