Police are appealing for information after an attempted break-in at a Perthshire village shop.
Police report that three men tried to smash their way into Balbeggie Village Store using a hammer in the early hours last Friday morning (January 24).
Shopkeeper Garry Casson came face-to-face with the gang of would-be thieves in what was the second raid on his rural store in the last 13 months.
However, the crooks fled empty-handed and sped away in a dark-coloured car when they were surprised by Mr Casson.
The shop was locked up and taped off by police throughout Friday morning.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser fears the raid is the work of “organised gangs”.
He said: “I am very concerned to hear about the break-in at Balbeggie shop, and can only imagine how distressing this is for the owner.
“It’s not the first time this has happened, and other local shops have been targeted recently.
“It looks like there is an organised gang at work and I hope that the police can track them down.
“I would ask anyone with information to come forward.
“Running a small local store is hard work, and this is a shop which provides a vital community service.
“It would be a tragedy if its future was put at risk because of criminal activities such as this.”
It is the second time in just over a year that Mr Casson has confronted raiders in his shop.
Casson tackled two masked robbers as they stole from his till in the early hours of December 30, 2018.
And in September last year the nearby Burrelton Post Office, which Mr Casson also owns, was broken into in the early hours.
Any persons with information that could assist the investigation can call 101 or speak to a police officer.
Also, information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Reference for the incident is 0372 of January 24.
