Inverness councillors have condemned a break-in at a city supermarket after the culprit smashed their way in to steal goods.
Discount supermarket chain Lidl was targeted in an overnight break-in.
The male suspect, believed to be in his early 20s, forced entry to the store on Telford Street following its closure on Tuesday evening before taking off with a quantity of alcohol.
The incident is understood to have taken place between 10pm that evening and 6am the following morning.
A spokesman for the chain confirmed the store remained closed for a brief period on Wednesday as officers scanned the scene as part of their inquiries.
He said: “We can confirm that the police were contacted following an incident in the early hours of Wednesday morning at our store on Telford Street and we are supporting them with their investigation.
“The store was closed at the time and opened on Wednesday at 8:25am whilst the police finalised their investigation.
“As this is now a police matter, we are unable to provide any further information at this time.”
The incident just comes just days after Maggie’s Highland Cancer Centre in Inverness was vandalised in an act of “mindless thuggery” in the early hours of Sunday morning as officials prepared to reopen for the first time since lockdown.
No items were taken however, several windows and glass doors were smashed leaving glass strewn throughout the centre, located next to Raigmore Hospital.
Inverness Central councillor Janet Campbell said the rise in this type of crime was a worrying prospect.
She said: “It’s indeed concerning to hear about yet another break-in in Inverness. Not as shocking as the heartless incident involving our much loved Maggie’s Centre, but nonetheless another addition to an ever rising and worrying criminal statistic.”
Fellow councillor Bet McAllister said she is “horrified” by the number of break-ins taking place.
She added: “This can’t be going on all the time. Shops are struggling as it is and they can’t afford all these break-ins. If anyone has any information they should bring it forward.”
The suspect is described as 5ft 10″ in height and of slim build. He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top with the hood up, a dark coloured pair of shorts and a grey and black walking shoes. He was carrying a black Under Armour rucksack.
Officers are urging anyone with information to get in touch to aid them in their inquiries.
A police spokesman said: “Anyone who recognises this description or saw anyone acting suspiciously within the area in urged to contact Police.
You can call 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to pass information anonymously.”
