Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds from a Moray hotel – after wheeling the safe out the back door.
The Clifton Hotel in Lossiemouth was targeted in an overnight raid earlier this week, with the culprits making off with about £5,000.
Last night, owner Mohammed Ali revealed the thieves had been so determined to get the cash that they used a trolley to get away with the entire safe.
He said: “They trollied the whole safe out. They broke the door into the hotel. The money was in the safe. They couldn’t break into it so they wheeled the whole thing out.”
The thieves did not bother taking the alcohol in the building, but tried unsuccessfully to break into the gambling machines within the bar area.
The break-in happened between 11pm on Monday and 6.30am on Tuesday.
Employees believe it was an organised group that carried out the thefts.
Mr Ali, who said he was “devastated” at the theft, and urged anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “I’m gutted. I’m also disgusted that it was so easily done.
“Cops are usually patrolling to see what’s happening. I’ve locked up on a Saturday night before, gone back to get something, and when I’ve come out the back door police have stopped me because they think I’m breaking in.
“Of course I take security seriously, I have got a lot of drink stock. They didn’t touch any of that though. They were only interested in money.”
The safe in the hotel was not kept in the office, and the thieves were able to get access to it after breaking the door to the hotel.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Clifton Street area or who has information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
