In an audacious crime in Edinburgh, a thief broke into a local restaurant, Bell Bottom Eatery, using an axe, stealing thousands of pounds in cash and alcohol.
What followed was even more shocking: hours later, the thief returned to swipe even more alcohol, leaving the restaurant stunned and community members worried.
A Shocking Early Morning Break-In
The incident took place early on Saturday morning, around 4:45 a.m., when a hooded man armed with an axe targeted the Bell Bottom Eatery in the Merchiston area.
Staff arrived to find a massive window smashed and over £10,000 in cash gone.
Security footage shared with MailOnline shows the man’s movements as he first tried to break in through the door before resorting to smashing the window to gain access.
Once inside, the thief wasted no time. He climbed over the bar and grabbed the entire cash safe, making off with the cash in a swift operation. But the crime didn’t end there.
The Thief Returns for Alcohol
Just two hours later, around 6:20 a.m., the same thief was seen returning to the restaurant.
This time, he focused on taking more valuable goods—£15,000 worth of premium alcohol, including Johnnie Walker whisky, Captain Morgan rum, and high-end wines, all purchased for an upcoming cocktail night.
Restaurant manager Leena Kumar said some of the stolen bottles were later found on the roadside, discarded by the thief after being consumed.
“It was clear he knew exactly where to find everything,” said Kumar.
“He didn’t seem to struggle at all.”
Worries Grow Over Local Business Safety
The thefts have shaken the local business community. Kumar, who also manages two delivery restaurants in the city, expressed frustration over what she saw as the leniency of laws that might encourage such behavior.
“People are ruining the reputation of a good neighborhood,” she said.
“Our neighbors have come into the restaurant, worried that what happened to us could happen to them next.”
Many businesses in the area have reported similar break-ins, adding to the anxiety felt by shop owners and residents alike.
The Growing Concerns Over Juvenile Crime
Kumar, only 28, believes that the current laws aren’t tough enough on juvenile offenders.
In Scotland, while minors aged 12 to 16 can be taken to court for serious crimes, many offenses result in only early intervention, such as warnings or assistance from support organizations.
“If the person is underage, what can the police do?” she asked.
“There’s no real deterrent, and that’s why these young people are getting more confident committing crimes.”
Kumar feels that stronger laws targeting juveniles could help prevent such incidents in the future.
Ongoing Investigation into Break-In
Police Scotland has confirmed they received a report of the break-in at Bell Bottom Eatery early on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities work to piece together more details of the crime.
In the meantime, the local community remains on edge, hoping for both justice and stronger legal protection to prevent further incidents.