Raiders target Falkirk car showroom as three vehicles stolen

Three vehicles have been stolen in a late-night raid on a car showroom in Camelon, leaving local business owners facing a bill of £50,000.

It happened at about 11.25pm last night, when three people breached the gate at Formula One Car Supermarket on Glasgow Road.

It appears that two vehicles were initially taken, with one being abandoned, before the thieves returned to take a third car.

The abandoned car has since been recovered by police and is currently being examined.

The two cars which have been stolen, along with a CCTV image of a trespasser on the night of the incident.

The remaining two cars are both Ford Focus STs – one white, one blue – with the registration plates BT13 WYC and YC13 EAF.

CCTV caught a close-up of one intruder during the night of one individual wearing a hood and a mask.

As well as the gate, another car on the showroom was damaged when it was moved to get the stolen vehicles out.

It is thought that the theft and damage could reach a total a cost of £50,000.

Owner Lee Sinclair said: "We’re all gutted that people can target a local business like this and the impact that this has on us.

“We’re a family-run business and we’ve been in Falkirk for about 17 years.

"It’s hard enough right now for businesses out there trying to get by without people breaking in and stealing cars.

"Things like this make it even more challenging.

"We really appreciate all the local support we’ve had online, it’s been really encouraging to get that kind of feedback from the community.”

Lee said that the company would be offering a reward for information which helps catch the culprits.

He added: “Police have been here most of the day and there have been extensive tests.

"We’re appealing to anyone who has information that might lead to the arrest of those in question.”

The car outlet is still open for click and collect.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We received a report of two vehicles stolen from a dealership on Glasgow Road around 6.55am on Sunday, 21 February.

"The vehicles were stolen sometime overnight between Saturday, 20 February and 1.30am on Sunday, 21 February.

"Enquiries are ongoing."