Thieves steal samurai swords, daggers and air rifles in antiques shop raid

Samurai swords: Police are appealing for information.

Samurai swords, daggers, air rifles and razors were stolen during a raid on an antiques shop.

Around £5000 of items were taken from the Love Antiques shop in the centre of Perth in what police believe was a well organised theft.

The premises were targeted sometime between 6.30pm on Saturday and 10.45am on Sunday.

Managing director Mark Fairbrother expressed concern that the thieves were now armed with dangerous weaponry.

He said: "There is now a gang running around heavily armed, which is a horrible thought. The streets will not be safe until the culprits are caught."

Mr Fairbrother said that the customer who owned the expensive weaponry - who wishes to remain anonymous - is so upset by the incident that he has decided to cease trading.

He said: "He is shocked and upset that this has happened and that these weapons are now out in the wrong hands. It is legal for over-18s to buy the items but they could be used to inflict harm.

"We are all gutted about the break-in. You just don't think it will happen to you. Obviously the loss of money is a problem for us but more importantly you don't want to hear of anyone getting hurt."

Officers have launched an investigation and suspect the robbers could have reconnoitred the shop in the days before the break-in.

They gained entry into a back courtyard before kicking a large hole in the back door. A number of gold items were also taken, as well as vintage jewellery and petty cash.

Julie Robertson, duty inspector with Tayside Police, said: "We can confirm we are investigating a break-in in to Love Antiques in Perth where two air rifles along with a small number of weapons and some unusual items of jewellery were taken.

"Police will be carrying out several lines of inquiry including inquiries with neighbouring premises, second-hand dealers and reviewing CCTV footage.

"We would appeal to second-hand dealers in the area to be particularly alert.”

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