Staff at an Angus veterinary practice were met with a “trail of destruction” after thieves broke in and stole cash.
Morning appointments at The Golf Veterinary Practice in Montrose had to be cancelled to allow staff to clear up behind those responsible.
Among the areas targeted were the staff room and reception area, as well as the operating room which was “trashed.”
Kim Fraser, a receptionist at the Traill Drive practice, said staff felt “violated” after the break-in which was discovered in the early hours of Monday morning.
They expressed their “heartfelt” thanks to clients for their understanding as appointments were cancelled or rescheduled to allow police to investigate.
They added no animals were on site at the time of the break-in.
Kim said: “There was glass from the window that was broken, tins of sweets which were given to us for Christmas were emptied and there were bits of paper everywhere.
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“They went through the drawers in the office but didn’t take anything, they just made more of a mess than anything.
“Thankfully no animals were in at the time or they would have been stressed.
“They trashed the operating theatre. Sweeties were taken from the staff room and thrown about the place.
“All our customers were so understanding, they were amazing.
“We have had floods of support from them.
“The staff were quite shaken and we all feel a bit violated.
“They left a trail of destruction with bits of paper everywhere. It was a bit weird.
“We all mucked in and had the clinics going again at 12pm.
“We have been heartened by our patients and the police were fantastic.”
A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed the incident occurred between 7pm on Sunday January 20 and 4am on Monday January 21.
No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference CR/1707/19.
Police Scotland are also investigating other break-ins which occurred in the Montrose and Brechin areas over the weekend.
Three separate attempted thefts by housebreaking took place at Brechin Golf Club, Caledonian Golf Club in Montrose and Hillside Post Office near Montrose.
Nothing appeared to be taken in any of the incidents but a large quantity of money was stolen from a vet in Park Road, Brechin.
Information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
