East Lothian crime: Thieves attempt to steal charity tin during restaurant break-in

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Thieves have been caught on camera trying to steal a charity tin during a restaurant break-in.

Three people were filmed smashing their way into a Chinese eatery and causing around £5,000 of damage in Musselburgh last week. They made off with a sum of cash, cans of of beer and bottles of wine and one was heard shouting “take the charity tin” during the incident at around 2.40am on September 27.

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But despite repeated attempts to rip the charity box from the counter the robber was forced to flee the premises without the tin.

The Auld Hoose Chinese restaurant in Musselburgh was broken into in the early hours of Friday September 27.The Auld Hoose Chinese restaurant in Musselburgh was broken into in the early hours of Friday September 27.
The Auld Hoose Chinese restaurant in Musselburgh was broken into in the early hours of Friday September 27. | Google

Ramesh Shrestha, owner of The Auld Hoose Chinese Restaurant, posted footage of the break-in on social media and appealed for witnesses to come forward in a bid to identify the thieves.

Angry locals have also taken to social media to slam the culprits with one describing the theft as “disgusting behaviour”. Another posted: “Desperate to steal the charity box at the end. Tramps.”

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 9am on Friday, September 27, we were made aware of a break-in and theft at a premises on New Street in Musselburgh, which happened overnight.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0663 of Friday, September 27. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Earlier this week, police launched an appeal following a series of break-ins in Musselburgh and nearby Prestonpans believing the incidents could be linked. Officers said a number of retail and business premises were broken into in the towns, resulting in damage being caused and items being stolen between September 7 and 27.

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Investigations remain ongoing and police are now appealing for witnesses. Community Policing Sergeant Dougie Wardell said: “We’ve carried out extensive CCTV enquiries into a number of reported break-ins and are considering whether these may be linked.

“I’d ask for the public’s help in identifying those responsible. Have you seen anyone or vehicles acting suspiciously around premises in the area? Do you have private CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcams which may have captured something?“

“I urge anyone with information to please contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”