MULTIPLE businesses have been left damaged after break-ins in Bruntsfield and Morningside, with owners “fed up” by repeated attacks.
A total of twelve shops have been targeted in just over two weeks, with windows smashed and in some cases money stolen.
Business owners believe a single individual to be responsible with a man captured on CCTV smashing in the windows of a podiatrist with a large rock.
A man was arrested in February for breaking into a business in the area but has since been released on bail.
Police have said that another arrest has been made following the recent spate of break ins in the area.
Police issued advice to business-owners earlier this month, telling them to ensure cash is removed from premises after closing and that all locks are tested to British Standard.
Despite this, another theft took place on Colinton Mains Drive earlier this week, with criminals reportedly taking tables and sinks.
Conservative councillor Marie-Clair Munro for Morningside posted today, saying: “I want to bring attention to the rapid rise in break-ins and attempted break-ins that have been occurring in the Morningside and Bruntsfield area over the last few weeks.
“This is deeply concerning, and I am horrified to hear about the impact this has had on our local businesses and shop workers.
“The following premises have been affected, Aki (25th February – arrest made but released on bail), Andiamo (1st March), Satis (4th March), Blackwood Coffee (9th March), 3 Birds, The Ghurka, Morningside Podiatry Service (March 1st), Hair by Boom (5th March), Coffee Inc (4th March), Sisco (9th March), Bell Bottom Eatery, Pablos.
“This disturbing pattern of anti-social behaviour is something I take very seriously. Business owners and their teams should never have to face such threats to their livelihood or safety.
“I will be raising this issue with the local police to ensure that swift action is taken to protect our community.
“Rest assured, I will continue to do everything I can to support local businesses and residents in the face of this worrying trend. Together, we must work to keep Morningside and Bruntsfield a safe and thriving community.”
Multiple business owners reported broken windows to Police Scotland who have yet to visit every crime scene.
One business owner said today: “We got an Instagram message from a neighbour to tell us we had a giant hole in our window.
“When we arrived, we saw they’d smashed our window with a brick, climbed through the hole and taken the cash box
“Under £100 was taken but fixing the window will come to almost £1,000 and has to be boarded up right now, which is costing us business.
“It’s such a shame because now every business has to have signs in the windows about not leaving cash in the premises.
“Police visited on the day and were very helpful and also came the next day.
“The fact that it happened three days in a row and then again a few days later is scary. I don’t know how much is being done but it doesn’t make you feel very safe.
“It’s frustrating replacing the window knowing that it could possibly happen again. As a small business owner, you feel a bit trapped sometimes as there is so little you can do.”
Another owner, whose windows were smashed just under two weeks ago said: “At 2:30am someone threw a rock through our window – we saw him on the CCTV outside.
“He was young, in his late teens or early twenties, and alone.
“All of the traders in Morningside and Bruntsfield are in the same WhatsApp group, as this has been happening for a while.
“Since March 1st, there has been one owner who has been trying to contact the council and the police, and has requested that anybody affected let him know.
“So far, twelve businesses have responded to that, but no councillors have been in touch and the police have not visited.
“After my wife found the window smashed at 7am, I called the police ten minutes later. They spoke to us on the Monday after and said someone would come round, but no one did, and it’s now the 14th.”
“We’re feeling fed up. It’s thousands of pounds of damage. What do we do next?”
“Some customers have asked me if I’ll put shutters up, but I don’t want Morningside Road to look like that – they’ll only get covered in graffiti.”
Edinburgh City Council and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.