A burger van boss has been forced to tighten up security after thieves raided her business and stole charity money.
The cash was in a collection box kept by Mamma Sue’s van, which is based at Dundee’s Mid Craigie Road.
The thieves also made off with a £100 tablet and a speaker worth £50, as well as sweets, crisps and juice.
Owner Sue Slamon said she was most angry about the loss of the charity money but vowed she would let the thieves win and would “carry on as normal”.
However, she’s taking no chances and will be taking all of her takings and stock home with her from now on.
The 49-year-old said: “It was the worst possible moment for this to happen.
“I had just got back from my hen weekend and quickly sobered up when I saw the van had been broken into.
“They’ve picked through the charity box and taken all the money that wasn’t coppers.
“I don’t know exactly how much was in it, but it would have been a fair bit as our customers are always generous.”
Sue said the thieves took her daughter’s Lenovo tablet and speaker and rifled through all of the food in the van, taking things like juice bottles and crisps.
“I’ve had to chuck everything away as I don’t know what they’ve been doing and what food they’ve touched, so I didn’t think it would be safe to serve to customers,” she said.
“Because of this I’ve lost around £500, which is a lot for a small business that I run on my own.
“I’ve now put in two deadlocks so the door can’t be forced open and signs to say there is no cash kept inside.
“I take the float home anyway, and from now on I’ll be taking the charity cash and as much of the stock as I can as well.”
Sue said she contacted police and had a visit from forensic officers, but that the culprits had been careful not to leave fingerprints.
She explained: “They’ve been quite clever about this.
“I hope they’re caught but either way I won’t let them win.
“I’ve had this business for two years without any problems and I’m going to keep going.”
A police spokeswoman confirmed officers were aware of the incident and said inquiries were ongoing.
