Calls for greater CCTV coverage in Morningside after break-in at baked potato shop
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Business owner bemoaning the cost of repairs to his Morningside shop as he says he’s barely making ends meet as it is
An Edinburgh business owner is counting the cost of damage to his shop after thieves broke in and made off with less than £30 out the till.
Fatt Spudz opened its doors on Morningside Road last month and has proven popular amongst jacket potato fans. But a break-in overnight on Wednesday has seen calls for greater CCTV provision in the area.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers are investigating a housebreaking to a premises on Morningside Road, Edinburgh, which was reported to police on Thursday, 30 April, 2026.
“Enquiries remain ongoing.”
Owner Colin Smith said the main concern is the cost of the damage to his shop, as thieves made off with just £28 during the break-in.
He said: “We came in this morning and they’ve just smashed through the door and came in and emptied the till. There wasn't a lot in the till. It's only about £28 or something. So it's more the damage than anything else.”
Mr Smith praised the police and local response, which had him back up and running shortly after prints were taken from the scene.
He said: “The police have been great, to be honest with you, and so have the locals, they have always been great. They asked if we needed any help. So they've been good.”
Whilst acknowledging the cost implications, Mr Smith said that he would like to see more City of Edinburgh Council CCTV in the area.
He said: “I know Morningside is an affluent area but it would be a lot better if they had a CCTV system in place or something.
“Small businesses, including myself, can't afford to be broken into. Marks and Spencer, I'm not saying they should be broken into, but you have a lot more money than what we do. We’re just covering the wages some weeks.”
Last year, we spoke to businesses who had been affected by a spate of break-ins in the Morningside and Bruntsfield area. Business owners described being ‘disheartened and frustrated’ after thieves targeted their premises in the area.
At the time, Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, said the force had “increased our high visibility patrols as well as having plain clothed officers in the area.”
He added: “Alongside our efforts to trace those responsible for these offences, we’ve also been engaging with local businesses providing crime prevention advice and reassurance.”
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, transport and environment convener, said: “We are committed to making sure that businesses across the city can operate safely and securely. We have already identified Morningside Road as an area requiring additional CCTV and arrangements are currently being made to have a camera installed nearby.”
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.