Inverness shopkeeper fears for future of popular Chalky’s convenience store as Police Scotland hunts hole in the ceiling thieves who stole up to £8000 in cigarettes

A shopkeeper left shaken after thieves tore through the ceiling of his store to steal up to £8000 worth of cigarettes has spoken of his fears for the future.

Pragnesh Valand, who has leased Chalky’s convenience store in the Haugh for the best part of five years, is a popular figure in the community having kept the store open throughout the Covid pandemic.

Security camera footage showed how the masked intruders, having gained access to an unoccupied upstairs flat through a rear window, smashed through the floor and shop ceiling to gain entry.

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Later identified on CCTV as having scoped the building on Haugh Road after closing time at 8pm on Monday this week, one of the group lowered themselves into the shop at 1.36 am.

In a three-minute spree, they stole a large quantity of cigarettes and a single bottle of buckfast, returning through the hole at 3:11 am for five minutes to take more.

The break-in was discovered by Mr Valand’s brother before opening time that morning, with the pair distraught at the damage. Police are appealing for witnesses.

It follows several other costly incidents of flagrant shoplifting at times when only one staff member was on duty.

As well as the psychological impact on Mr Valand, with the business operating on a very small profit margin, it has increased his concerns about its longer-term viability.

However, some of the blow has been softened by a friendly joiner and customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, offering to fix the damage for free.

Mr Valand said: “It is very upsetting for my brother and I. It is a big blow to us and a real worry.

“It was a large quantity of cigarettes that was taken, between £5,000 and £8,000 worth, and we sell those cigarettes at a very small profit margin.

“Since the war in Ukraine, our costs are very high.

“We enjoy very good relations with our customers, who are very friendly and loyal to us, and happy that we stay open long hours and over Christmas, as well as throughout the entire pandemic.

“They have been tremendous today in offering support.

“One, a joiner, has offered to fix the damage and says he does not want to be paid for it, which is a lovely gesture. We want to pay him but it is a boost to us after what has happened.

“But I do have concerns for the future after what has happened as we have also had people coming into the shop, taking goods and making off.

“It is very difficult as you cannot leave the building empty and pursue them.”

Mr Valand praised police for coming swiftly to the premises after raising the alarm.

An investigation is ongoing as they attempt to track down the thieves.

Detective Constable Ellie Logan has appealed for anyone with information or additional video footage to come forward.

She said: “I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information which could assist us to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dash-cam or private CCTV footage which could assist to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 0480 of 28 January, 2025.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.