Retailers in Anstruther have expressed fears about the security of their businesses following a spate of recent break-ins.
It comes after raiders stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods from the A&A convenience store in the early hours of Thursday morning, cutting a hole through the front door to gain access to the High Street premises.
Several other local shops have been targeted in recent months, with owners spending huge sums of money on CCTV systems in an attempt to secure their livelihoods.
Imran Noor, the manager of A&A’s said: “This is the first time that it has happened (to me) and I’ve been here for 20 years.
“There has been three or four break-ins recently though. We’re trying to keep it business as usual but it’s hard as people are coming in and we don’t have some stock.
“We had a camera installed last week so hopefully the police recognise somebody.”
Martin Dibley, the owner of nearby Pets Pantry, was among the first to witness the damage to Mr Noor’s store when he visited the shop on Thursday morning.
With his own shop having been robbed recently, he said that many retailers were fearful of becoming a target. It was unbelievable to see the hole in the door. Totally bizarre.
“But there has been several break-ins to businesses in the past few months. I was broken into, as was the hardware store a few doors up from me.
“There was also a break-in at the town hall, I believe. It does worry me.
“We are a small community and don’t normally have a problem with crime.”
Following the raid on the convenience store, CID officers have launched an investigation.
Confirming they have already made a breakthrough, a spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police in Fife received a report of a break-in to a business premises in High Street East, Anstruther, which took place around 5.10am on Thursday March 23.
“A quantity of alcohol and cigarettes were stolen from within the shop.
“Detectives are currently pursuing a positive line of inquiry in connection with this incident, however anyone with information is urged to contact Levenmouth CID via 101 or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
