Cambuslang pub robbed of four-figure sum of money after raid

Feb 3 2010 Rutherglen Reformer

A FOUR-FIGURE sum of money was stolen from The First Glass pub in Cambuslang after a break-in at the weekend.

The incident occurred at the bar – which is situated in Hamilton Road – between midnight on January 29 and 9am the following day.

According to police, the thieves gained entry through the back door, before making their way upstairs, raiding cigarette and fruit machines along the way.

As well as stealing money, there was a significant amount of damage caused during the break-in.

Now the owner of The First Glass, Jim MacCallum, has slammed the culprits. And he hit out that it was hard enough for local pubs to survive in the current economic climate without the added worry of being targeted by thieves.

This was the first time such an incident has taken place at the pub during his six years there.

He said: “I’m really disappointed. I’ve been in the premises six years. I’ve not had any break-ins at the pub before. Previously, there have been some incidents of vandalism.

“I’m an owner who is struggling, just like any pub in these financial times, and this damage has cost me quite a bit of money.”

Mr MacCallum concluded: “The police have a feeling this is part of a spate of burglaries in the area and we were another target.”

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police said: “The break-in happened between midnight on January 31 and 9am the following day. It looks like the intruders entered the pub via a rear door. One of the cellar doors was forced.

“They made their way upstairs and gained entry via the office door which was also forced open. A four-figure sum of money was stolen along with various items such as cigarettes plus cash from the cigarette and fruit machines.

“There was significant damage done to the doors, fruit machine and cigarette machine.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 0141 532 5210 or contact Crimestoppers, where calls are free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.