CCTV footage reveals masked thieves' audacious plan to steal from Chalky’s newsagents.

Intrusion through the ceiling

In a shocking incident that has left the community of Inverness reeling, thieves executed a meticulously planned heist at Chalky’s newsagents, making off with between £5,000 and £8,000 worth of cigarettes. The audacious break-in occurred on a Monday night, when the culprits gained entry by tearing a hole through the ceiling of an upstairs flat, demonstrating a level of premeditation that has alarmed local residents.

CCTV reveals the crime in action

Owner Pragnesh Valand was left stunned upon discovering the extent of the theft. Reviewing the CCTV footage from the night of the incident, he noted that the masked intruders were seen lurking around the premises shortly after closing time.

The footage captured two figures, clad in masks and gloves, surveying the area multiple times before making their move. This level of surveillance indicates that the thieves had likely been planning the heist for some time.

Details of the theft

According to Mr. Valand, the thieves accessed the shop through a window, which they either opened or found ajar. Once inside, they began breaking through the floor around 10 PM. The footage shows one of the thieves descending into the shop at AM, where he was caught on camera rummaging behind the counter. Despite triggering the alarm, the thief continued his mission, grabbing as many cigarettes as he could before retreating back upstairs. A second entry was made shortly thereafter, allowing the thieves to steal even more cigarettes and a bottle of Buckfast.

Community response and police investigation

In light of this brazen act, Mr. Valand is urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. He expressed disbelief at how the thieves managed to execute such a detailed plan without being noticed. “For five hours, they creep around and no one asks anything,” he lamented. The police have since launched an investigation, gathering CCTV footage from the area and appealing for witnesses to come forward. Detective Constable Ellie Logan has urged anyone with information or additional footage to assist in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving such crimes.

How to report suspicious activity

Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have seen the incident or has relevant information to contact them. The police can be reached at 101, quoting incident number 0480 of January 28, 2025. Additionally, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Community vigilance is crucial in preventing such crimes and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.