The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Sickening’ theft of cash from pub in lockdown
Crime: Weekend break-in at Ship Inn one of several incidents in coastal town
A four-figure-sum has been stolen from an empty pub, with the business community increasingly fearful over how many more could be targeted during the lockdown.
Thieves made off with the money in a breakin at the Ship Inn, in Stonehaven, early on Saturday. Meanwhile, the nearby front doors of Trouper’s Bar, Molly’s Cafe bar and the Market Bar were daubed with paint.
Proprietor of the Ship Inn, Simon Cruickshank, wrote on Facebook: “All business owners please be
“We’re all suffering enough already with this terrible virus”
aware that our office at the Ship Inn has been broken into and money stolen.
“Please be on the lookout for anybody who has suddenly got cash to splash around.
“This has totally sickened me. We’ve only been shut for a week and somebody’s broken in.
“And yesterday Trouper’s Bar front doors were vandalised with spray paint – also Molly’s and the Market Bar.
“Let’s all be vigilant and look out for each other.
“We’re all suffering enough already with this terrible virus and the effect it’s having on our businesses without people like this making matters worse.”
Local councillor Dennis Robertson said: “There will always be opportunistic people and it is very unfortunate when everyone else in the community has been banding together so well.”
Inquiries are continuing. Constable Ashley Stewart, of Stonehaven Police Office, said: “I am
The defibrillator outside Glengarry Community Hall appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and heard or saw any suspicious activity to contact police as soon as possible.
“Although the property was secure, I would like to take the opportunity to remind business owners to review their security while premises are closed and ensure all windows and doors are locked at all times.”
Already in recent weeks joyriders in Oldmeldrum badly damaged the golf course, ripping up grass by driving on the 17 th green.
And after a nursery in Balmedie was targeted by vandals, local councillor Paul Johnstone urged parents to keep a tighter leash on their children.
In Aberdeen four empty schools were targeted between Thursday February 27, and Sunday
March 22, with petty cash and safes stolen.
The same weekend four men in dark clothes stole money and items in “linked” raids on Highland care homes.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham urged people to stay at home.
He said: “We’ve had high-visibility patrols in place right across the country since we were given these enforcement powers. But it’s clear that the vast majority of people are complying with the measures. They know the message is to stay at home and, by and large, they’re doing that.
“There will always be people who refuse to comply, but the low number of penalty notices shows they are in the minority and in those cases we’ve had to use enforcement as a last resort.”