Thieves steal Christmas dinners

Graham Collie, who runs A&G Collie butchers with his wife Annie in Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, said a range of poultry, beef, lamb and venison was taken during the break-in, which happened some time between 8pm on Thursday and 5am on Friday.

The thieves got in through a pull door at the back of the shop, and they also disappeared with a safe containing more than £1,000.

Mr Collie said: “It's such a nasty thing to do, particularly at this time of the year. They took a lot of our Christmas orders as well as money. We've not calculated exactly how much it was all worth but it's going to be thousands.”

He added that the store will do everything it can to fulfil their customers' orders, despite it being so close to Christmas.

Police have asked the public to be aware of any “unofficial sources” selling large quantities of meat.

Grampian Police constable Darren Cochrane, who is investigating the incident, said: “I am keen to hear from any persons who may have been in the area, in particular any early morning workers or delivery drivers who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious.”

Constable Kevin Marron, from the force's crime reduction unit, said: “All shopkeepers are reminded to be extra vigilant in the run-up to Christmas and take the appropriate security precautions.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111