A DEVASTATED Cardenden family believe it was an “opportunist” thief who broke into their store at the weekend. 

Cash, cigarettes and alcohol were stolen from the Day to Day store on Cardenden Road which Police Scotland say happened “some time before 3am on Monday”.

There was “significant damage” caused in the raid and the Ali family, who have lived in the village for years, said the community had rallied round to offer support. 

Mr Ali told the Times: “I believe it was an opportunist trying his or her luck and they obviously succeeded by taking away a substantial amount. It’s a double-door and the bottom window of it was smashed and so was the top window.

"The police had to kick the door open from the inside to allow the door to be opened again.

“It would be hugely disappointing if it was someone in the community that has done this. It’s not fair on us.

"All we’ve done is be nice in the community and help with charity work and fundraisers as and when needed. We help at the local village fair – we’ve done that for five years now. 

“We’ve helped with coffee mornings, donated to the John Thomson memorial football tournament and we sponsored a trophy there. 

“We also sponsor the two football clubs, Dundonald Bluebell and Bowhill Rovers, as we have advertising boards at Moorside Park. We do a lot in the community and any fundraising opportunities we will always help out.”

The store posted a status on Facebook on Monday morning about the raid. It was shared more than 180 times and messages of support flooded in, leaving Mr Ali grateful for the local community’s response to the incident.

He said: “It’s really nice to see that and know we have the backing of the community. We couldn’t thank everyone enough. We’re hoping it will raise awareness and hopefully be able to give the police some information.”

A search confirmed that a three-figure sum of money along with a quantity of alcohol and cigarettes were stolen during the break-in.

Detective Sergeant Karen Muirhead said: “The staff who belong to this store are understandably very disappointed that someone has targeted their workplace and in doing so caused significant damage to the premises.

“We want to trace everyone involved in this crime as quickly as possible and I’d urge anyone who has information that can assist with our enquiries to come forward.

"A pane of glass was smashed during the break-in, which would have caused a lot of noise, especially in the early hours, and I again appeal to anyone who heard anything suspicious or who saw anyone in the area around the time of this incident to contact police.”

Officers from Fife CID are now carrying out enquiries in an effort to trace those responsible and are appealing to anyone with relevant information to come forward.

They can contact Police Scotland on 101 or a report can be made anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.