Staff at Bell Bottom Eatery in Edinburgh’s Merchiston area were in for a rude awakening when they arrived on Saturday morning.
Instead of preparing for the day’s service, they were greeted by a smashed window and the realization that over £10,000 in cash had been stolen.
Security footage revealed a masked intruder using an axe to break in, making his way straight to the bar, and grabbing the entire cash safe in a matter of minutes.
Thief Returns for More Loot
As if one break-in wasn’t enough, the same individual appeared to return nearly two hours later, this time helping himself to over £15,000 worth of alcohol.
The stolen stock included high-end bottles of Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, intended for a cocktail event.
Some of the bottles were later found discarded near the restaurant, suggesting the thief or others had wasted no time indulging.
A Calculated Crime
Restaurant manager Leena Kumar expressed her concerns, noting that the intruder seemed to know exactly where everything was.
“He didn’t struggle to find anything—he knew where to go.
First, he tried the door, but when that didn’t work, he smashed the window, turned on the kitchen lights, ate some food, and grabbed the tills,” she explained.
The speed and precision of the crime have left many wondering if the restaurant had been specifically targeted.
Fears Grow Among Local Businesses
Kumar also revealed that other businesses in the area had reported similar break-ins, sparking concerns that more local establishments could be at risk.
“This is a good neighborhood, but incidents like this are damaging its reputation.
Our neighbors have come to us, saying they’re now afraid they’ll be next,” she shared.
Calls for Tougher Laws
Expressing frustration, Kumar pointed out that lenient laws might be encouraging such crimes, especially among younger offenders.
“If he’s underage, what can the police do? He probably knew there wouldn’t be any real consequences,” she said.
She believes stricter legal measures could deter juveniles from engaging in criminal activity, arguing that early intervention isn’t always enough.
Police Investigation Underway
Police Scotland confirmed they received a report of the break-in around 7 a.m. and have launched an investigation.
Authorities are now working to gather more evidence and determine whether this incident is linked to other recent burglaries in the area.
As business owners in Edinburgh brace for the possibility of further incidents, many are left questioning what more can be done to protect their livelihoods from bold and repeat offenders.