Police will be carrying out security checks at shops across Aberdeen after a spate of recent thefts.
Last week there were two incidents at bookmakers in Aberdeen. Two men have since been charged.
And on Tuesday, another two men were apprehended by police after alleged robberies at Hilton Convenience Stores and Stockethill Crescent.
Following the increase of criminals targeting local shops, a team of police officers will be soon be carrying out security checks at stores across the city.
Detective Constable Lorna Ferguson said: “The reality of working in retail is that you can’t predict who will come into your store or how they will behave.
“But there are measures you can take to deter potential criminals and reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this appalling type of crime.
“Robberies don’t just affect your takings – they affect the staff too who have to deal with such a traumatic ordeal as well as any customers who are unlucky enough to be there at the time.
“Criminals will target premises where they think they will have a better chance of success whether that be an isolated area or a store which appears to have poor security features.
“Some criminals may well chance their luck in terms of location but both business size and the surrounding area will play some role in the vast majority of cases.”
DC Ferguson urged store owners not to keep large amounts of cash in the tills over night, and to ensure they do not count it up in front of customers.
She added: “Be extra vigilant at opening time and in the lead-up to closing time and train staff on how to deal with violent or confrontational situations.
“Advertise that you have security systems in place and try not to have staff working alone for as much of the day as possible.”
