An Ayr paint shop had a van and cash stolen by brazen crooks armed with a crowbar — as part of a double swoop on an industrial estate's businesses.
Crown Paints on Callander Road in Heathfield's industrial estate was targeted in a night raid last month.
Cops are probing two house breakings with a dessert shop (now closed) also said to have been targeted in neighbouring Boundary Street around 10pm on Friday, February 11.
It is understood more than one suspect was involved with the thieves said to have used the paint van as a getaway vehicle to flee the scene.
Gavin Store Manager of Crown Paints, Ayr told Ayrshire Live: "It’s in the hands of the police.
“The van was stolen along with a sum of money from the store.
“They got into the store using crowbars.
“Luckily the van had nothing in it but they used it for a getaway vehicle.”
Gavin was unable to disclose how much cash had been taken from the store but added: “We are okay, we’ve got other vans in the network that we were able to use.
“It’s not nice for it to happen but thankfully nobody was hurt.”
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Detectives investigating the housebreakings say their probe has revealed a number of vehicles were driving along Boundary Road at the time.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police in South Ayrshire are appealing for information following two housebreakings that occurred at about 2200 hours on Friday 11th Feb 2022.
“Commercial premises on Callander Road and Boundary Road, Ayr were broken into and a works van along with a quantity of cash was stolen.
“Enquiries are ongoing to identify the perpetrators.
“So far, our enquiries indicate a number of vehicles were travelling on Boundary Road at this time and we are appealing to the drivers for their assistance to check any dash-cam footage they may have that could assist with this enquiry.
“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting incident number SP-20220212-0910 and request information be passed to DS Craig Gilmour, South Ayrshire CID.”
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