STAFF at a Gretna Green tourist attraction are counting the cost after thieves broke in and caused £15,000 worth of damage to the store.
The break in at the Blacksmith’s Shop happened some time between 4.30 pm on Tuesday and 7.40 am on Wednesday when entry was forced into The Gardener’s Shed on site and tools and machinery worth about £5000 were stolen.
In addition, police say those responsible also attempted to break into the complex’s bar area via the roof, causing over £15,000 worth of damage to the building.
A force spokesman said: “Were you in the area that night? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously nearby?
“Did you drive past with a dashcam? You may have unknowingly recorded valuable images we would like to see. Please get in touch with Annan Police Station or call 101.”
Officers are also investigating a second break in that same night in Annan, although the two crimes are not being linked.
Cash and confectionary were taken from The Grubber hut at Violetbank rugby club between 5 pm on Tuesday and 2 pm on Wednesday. The perpetrators caused a ‘couple of thousand pounds’ of damage in the process. Club president Neil Moffat yesterday condemned the incident as “needless and petty”.
