A Dundee businessman has warned others to be on guard after a raid by thieves netted £11,000.
Jim Fyffe, manager of J. F. Kegs, lost cash after robbers broke through two brick walls and stole from a safe at his Smith Street premises in the early hours of Monday.
The gang managed to bypass a sophisticated alarm system, with Mr Fyffe believing an assessment of the premises must have been carried out beforehand.
Although confident that the thieves will be caught, while they remain at large Mr Fyffe has urged other businesses to take extra precautions.
He told The Courier, “I actually found out that they tried to get into the premises next door that belong to a plumbing company. They tried to get in there first and couldn’t get through the doors.
“Getting more security put in has been more expense for me and I’ve got a really successful business. But I just bought a new van, so this couldn’t have come at a worse time.
“It’s yet another expense.”
The audacity of the raid is what appears to have stunned Mr Fyffe more than anything else and he believes an attempt on the premises had been made the week before.
He banks money every weekday but the raiders stole Saturday’s takings in what would be a significant financial blow to any business. Insured to keep only £1000 on the premises at any time, Mr Fyffe described the theft as a “huge loss” and believes that those who carried out the raid knew exactly what they were doing.
“They came through the side of the building and through two layers of brick wall,” he added. “The safe was bolted to concrete and they’ve managed to crowbar that.
“They also sawed the main door in half so that the alarm wasn’t triggered and covered the security camera with a plastic bag. It was very professional.”
Tayside Police are continuing their investigation into the robbery and have appealed to the public for help. A number of loud noises were reported in the Smith Street area between 1-2am on Monday and police are keen to hear from anyone nearby who may have witnessed anything suspicious.
They are also keen to speak to three men spotted in the area between 1-4am on Tuesday, May 3.
The first is described as 18-25, 5ft 10in, slim, wearing a red, white and black top with a white hooded top over it. The second is also thought to be 5ft 10in tall, medium build wearing a blue top and a balaclava. The third man police wish to speak to is the same height and was was wearing a balaclava.
Anybody who can assist is asked to make contact police on 0300 111 2222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.