An Aberdeen shop has had to heighten security after a spate of thefts.
Sainsbury’s Local, on Rosemount Place, has been forced to hire a guard after it was repeatedly targeted in recent months.
The Press and Journal understands that more than 30 bottles of spirits have been stolen in recent weeks.
Last night, Councillor Bill Cormie, Midstocket/Rosemount ward, said it was the latest incident in a worrying trend for the area.
He said: “Shoplifting incidents have gone down in the city centre and up in Rosemount, I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
“We’ve had shoplifting before, but not like this.
“There’s been a number of issues in the area recently, the Sainsbury’s door was kicked open and we’ve had a lot of bike thefts too.
“It’s very difficult for staff to do anything as they’re often young students or women but it costs money to hire a security guard.
“There’s a lot of nooks and crannies in Rosemount so the thieves can get away.”
In July, Beautylicious, a hair salon on Rosemount Viaduct, was raided.
The thieves got away with around £3,000 of stock, leaving behind a broken down basement door and a gaping hole in the salon wall.
Mr Cormie said it was unclear whether the thefts were being carried out by organised gangs.
“I don’t know whether it’s local people or a criminal gang but it’s not easy for anyone to run a business, whether it’s big or small, with this going on”, he said.
“I would encourage anyone who knows anything to contact the police with any information they have.”
Sainsbury’s confirmed a security guard has been hired but said it cannot comment on local policing matters.
