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An area of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile has reportedly become a “lawless” hub for smash-and-grab thieves who have been stealing thousands of pounds’ worth of goods in broad daylight. According to CCTV footage obtained by BBC News, people have been spotted walking out of shops with expensive items including cashmere scarves, jumpers, and jackets. One man was caught on tape kicking in a plate-glass window to steal Harris Tweed bags costing up to £150 each. Shop workers say that the area has become dangerous and intimidating, and that despite reporting thefts to the police almost every day, nothing has been done.
Galab Singh Gold, who owns dozens of shops on and around the Royal Mile, said that he had lost £15,000 worth of stock to theft in the last three months, as well as paying out for several smashed windows. He said: “The police say they don’t have the resources to tackle something like this but it’s not just petty crime any more – this is organised theft.” Singh Gold believes that gangs are involved as he has noticed the same people stealing high-end items more than once. One staff member was punched in the face while others have been knocked to the floor. Singh Gold added: “We have lost several good members of staff because they feel threatened and unsafe at work now.”
Maria Sanchez, manager of Marchbrae on the Royal Mile, told the BBC that the thieves were “very aggressive” and that most of the staff were scared of them. When staff reported incidents to the police they were told that if it was not dangerous, the police would just take a statement over the phone and then visit after a few days. Further reports of theft have emerged from Sabine Fischlin of the Woollen Mill on the Royal Mile, who said that the situation had become “significantly worse” since August.
Police Scotland stated that a dedicated team was working with businesses in the area and said that they investigate every report. A spokesperson added: “We work closely with the retail and business sectors to deter, prevent and investigate retail crime. Where we identify businesses which are being targeted by shoplifters, we have trained officers who can attend and carry out security surveys and offer advice around prevention.
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