A bungling thief was caught on CCTV stealing hundreds of pounds from an honesty box in a farm shop in Aberdeen. The bungling robber targeted South Percyhorner Farm Shop, in the town of Fraserburgh, in a broad daylight raid on Thursday afternoon.
Footage from the robbery shows the thief walk into the store and prise open a cash box with a screwdriver. He frantically stuffs notes and handfuls of coppers into his pockets before taking out a Tesco plastic bag and emptying the smash in. Leaving behind some change, he snatches the screwdriver from the desk and flees the scene.
The thief is again caught on camera outside the shop. It is believed he fled the scene in a Silver Vauxhall Insignia, which had a learner plate on it at the time of the raid.
The owners slammed the 'disappointing' incident which saw around £300 taken altogether - a sum which workers have described as a 'significant amount of money' to the store.
A spokesperson added: "We have had a few instances of dishonesty in the past but this is by far the worst and the the first which has required police involvement.
"Obviously we are well aware that our honesty box system involves a high level of trust in the general public. It is very disappointing when it is abused."
Locals have also been left aghast at the 'disgusting' crime, with one woman writing: "That was awful just watching him do that. Everyone watching the pennies just now too.
"Notice he came prepared with his screwdriver to break open the cash box as well. Hope he’s recognised and caught quickly."
Another said: "Hope they get caught, can’t believe what I’ve just watched." A third added: "Absolutely shocking. Hope he gets caught. Love your shop."
Cops have now launched an investigation into the event and want to hear from anyone with any information on the offender.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers are carrying out enquiries after a honesty box was stolen from a farm shop in Fraserburgh at around 12.15pm on Wednesday, 27 July, 2022.
"Anyone who knows who was responsible should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 3087 of 27 July.”
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