Police have said there is no link between three raids on Dundee newsagents carried out since the start of the year.
Three separate newsagents in Coldside have all been targeted since January 5.
The first incident occurred when Graham Street Newsagents was targeted by a masked man who made off with the cash register after threatening two members of staff with a weapon.
Police returned to the scene of the crime last week to speak to passers-by in the hope they might be able to provide new information on the raid.
Then, last week, two newsagents were targeted in just over 24 hours.
On Friday afternoon, two thieves raided Masterton’s newsagents on Arklay Street and Clepington Road while the shop’s owners were at afternoon prayers.
The two culprits are both thought to be teenagers.
Then, on Saturday afternoon, 34-year-old Hassan Majid was attacked while in his NC News Centre shop on Strathmartine Road.
In a terrifying incident, the shopkeeper was grabbed by the throat and threatened with a screwdriver.
Mr Majid has said: “Although I have reopened my shop I am petrified something like this could happen again.
“When I’m in bed every time I close my eyes I see it happening all over again.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division ruled out any connection between the three incidents.
She said: “The robberies at Strathmartine Road and Graham Street and the break-in at Clepington Road are not linked.”
She also advised shopkeepers to ensure staff have proper security training – but not to take risks that put themselves in danger.
She said: “Businesses should consider installing and using CCTV systems and should ensure that staff are appropriately trained in security procedures.
“Shop owners and staff should contact police if they have any concerns about the activity of any suspicious persons. Do not put yourself in danger and if possible, try and remember the description of the individual – including gender, age, build, height, hair and clothing, along with their direction of travel and report this to police. If a crime is being committed and when it is safe to do so, contact 999.”
The spokeswoman added: “Commercial premises in Dundee can seek further advice and arrange a crime prevention visit by contacting Constable Steve McKay by email at steven.mckay@scotland.pnn.police.uk or by contacting the Community Safety Hub on 01382 436423.”
Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries into any of the three incidents should contact them on 101 or speak to any officer.
