An Angus pub boss has described the “couple of dramatic days” following a destructive break-in.
Thieves broke into the Craws Nest pub in Ravensby Park Gardens, Carnoustie, overnight Sunday into Monday and made off with a significant three-figure sum in coins.
They also left a trail of destruction in their wake as they tried to break into the strong-room.
Scenes of crimes officers dusted for prints and police are continuing to carry out inquiries in the area.
Bar staff are undertaking a stock check to see if anything else is missing, while work has been carried out to repair damage to the pub.
Owner George Irvine said it was the last thing they needed but said it is now “business as usual” again.
He said: “I really don’t want to say too much because the police are still investigating the circumstances.
“I came to open up on Monday in the morning at nine and I noticed the door had been prised open by some kind of instrument.
“I don’t want to say too much about what’s been taken we’ve had a stock take done and we are still trying to determine what’s gone missing.’Difficult'”The coins have gone missing and there might have been some drink taken, but we won’t know that until the stock take report is in.
“It really doesn’t help with the circumstances just now because everybody is finding it difficult at this moment.
“We were back open again on the same day after the forensic guys had been in and we got the place cleaned up.
“We have had workmen in over the past couple of days getting the place patched up. It wasn’t just the door they damaged part of the kitchen as well trying to get in to the strong-room.
“They have damaged other bits of the pub and the stock room, but you have just got to get on with it. The people who broke in have been very professional.”
Mr Irvine added: “It’s business as usual after a couple of dramatic days. There is so much grief that goes with it insurance companies, alarm companies and obviously the investigation.”
Anyone who was in the area between 11pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday and who saw anything suspicious should call the police on 0300 111 2222.