A thug smashed a brick though the window of a Dundee tourism ambassador’s car before making off with loose change.
Murray Chalmers, who was selected to promote the city several years ago, was visiting Pure Gym on West Marketgait when the incident happened, on Sunday at around 3.30pm.
His car was parked on Brown Street when multiple witnesses saw a man approach the vehicle and use the brick to smash his way in through the driver’s side window.
The thief managed to steal a bag containing around £3 of loose change from his VW Golf before running away.
Mr Chalmers, whose PR agency represents some of the world’s top music stars including Coldplay, Radiohead, and Robbie Williams, said he “couldn’t believe” it had happened in broad daylight.
He said: “I came out the gym and saw police around my car.
“It seems stupid now but I thought I’d done something wrong at first. As soon as I saw the car though, it was obvious.
“It was a hell of a mess — there was glass everywhere. Even the police were surprised at the time of day and location. It’s a massive hassle to get it fixed.
“This exact same car was actually stolen while I lived in London not long ago but it was recovered eventually. Maybe it’s an unlucky car.”
Mr Chalmers, who moved back to work in Dundee full time last year after living in London for 40 years, was selected by council chiefs to promote the city in 2015.
He said his enthusiasm for the city has not been affected by the break-in.
He added: “I’ve always been proud of the city and regularly promote it on social media so I think that’s why I was given the ambassador role.
“I do think this kind of thing can happen anywhere, although I was surprised it happened in day light.
“Although I’m furious about it, I do wonder how desperate someone must be to do something like this. It got me thinking about the way some people exist.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of the incident and are making enquiries.”