‘Cat burglar’ caper at Bridge of Earn newsagent

Sep 10 2010 by Denis Brown, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

POLICE are investigating an “unusual” robbery where ‘cat burglars’ sawed their way through the roof of a Bridge of Earn shop.

The sure-footed crooks left behind a ladder and a saw at the scene, which cops believe may have been stolen from someone’s garden and are appealing to locals missing such items to come forward.

Although the thieves would have made a considerable racket when cutting through a wooden roof beam, a police door knock of the neighbouring residential area failed to find anyone who had heard the caper.

Crooks struck overnight at the Kintillo Newsagent on Kintillo Road sometime between 8pm last Sunday night and 5am on Monday.

The intruders’ swag comprised £1500 worth of cigarettes and a quantity of cash in coinage.

“It was definitely a pre-meditated crime,” said a police spokesman.

“They brought a set of ladders along with them and a Stanley brand wood saw, which were both left behind at the scene.

“They’ve climbed onto the roof, pulled back the corrugated sheeting then sawed through wooden roof beams to gain entry.

“There’s plenty of houses nearby so you’d think that someone might have heard them. It’s certainly an unusual crime.

“We’re appealing to anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious.”

lContact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.