A distraught Dundee shop owner fears he may lose his business after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes from his store.
Opportunistic robbers raided Farzini’s Convenience Store on Clepington Road during the early hours of Monday morning before making off with £3000 worth of cigarettes and £600 in cash.
Thieves battered in a wall of the store using a sledgehammer and chisel during the early morning robbery.
The crime only came to light when the store’s owner arrived to work shortly after 7am.
The shopkeeper, who asked to remain anonymous, has worked in the area for 18 years, but has admitted that he was considering shutting his shop for good.
He said: “I’m just devastated.
“I’m wondering why I’m in this business and wondering if I’d be better off finding another profession.
“This has happened a couple of times here.
“The last few times there was more damage done to the premises, but this time it’s more material damage with the money and cigarettes.”
He added: “When I first came here people were supportive, but over the years it’s gone down hill.
“I have CCTV in the store, but it’s very dark. You wouldn’t be able to pick anything up.”
It’s understood police recovered a sledgehammer and chisel at the scene of the crime.
Lighters, tobacco and several groceries were also stolen during the theft.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is investigating a break-in to Farzinis Convenience Store, in Clepington Road, sometime between 8.45pm on Sunday June 26 and 7.15am on Monday June 27.
“A three figure sum of cash was stolen along with thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes, tobacco and lighters.
“Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, people or vehicles is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively information can be passed to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
