A woman has described the “awful” moment two men stole cash and jewellery from the Montrose store run by her elderly mum.
Police are hunting the thieves who targeted General Supply Store on Bridge Street between 3.30pm and 4.20pm on Wednesday.
Officers say a large sum of money was taken during the theft.
The shop is owned by Narinder Jain, 79, who was in the store – which stocks clothing and supplies for manual workers – at the time.
Thief distracted shopkeeper
Daughter Pamela told The Courier: “There were two customers in the shop.
“She was dealing with one who distracted her, asking for boots and trousers.
“The other one must have slipped into the (adjacent) house, looking for jewellery.
“He made his way to her bedroom and found jewellery on her dressing table and she had money in a cupboard that they took as well.
“We think it was planned and they knew exactly what they were doing.
“Mum said that when they were in the shop he kept phoning someone so they must have been speaking to each other to see what was going on.”
This has never happened before in all these years of the shop being open. It’s absolutely awful.”
Pamela says they have been left “totally shaken” by the ordeal.
She added: “We had forensics arrive on Thursday morning to take fingerprints so we have to wait to see if they can find anything.
“The shop has been open for 56 years. Dad died eight years ago and mum has been running the shop since then.
“This has never happened before in all these years of the shop being open. It’s absolutely awful.”
Description of Montrose shop theft suspects
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Both males are described as being in their mid to late 20s or early 30s, white, of medium build, with short, dark hair, and about 5ft 10in or taller.
“One was wearing a navy blue jacket and black jogging bottoms. The second was wearing dark jogging bottoms and an orange, long-sleeved, hi-vis work top.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 2983 of August 31.
“Alternatively, a call can be made anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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