Edinburgh’s Royal Mile has become a hotspot for brazen theft, with shopkeepers reporting a dramatic increase in smash-and-grab robberies that are leaving businesses feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Galab Singh Gold, who owns multiple shops in the area, has experienced significant losses, with £15,000 worth of stock stolen in just three months and additional expenses of £3,000 for window replacements.
CCTV footage obtained by BBC News shows thieves brazenly stealing expensive items like cashmere scarves, jumpers, and Harris Tweed bags in broad daylight. One incident captured a man kicking in a plate-glass window at night to steal armfuls of bags worth up to £150 each.
Singh Gold believes organized gangs are behind these thefts, noting that the same individuals are repeatedly targeting high-end merchandise. He suggests these thieves have established networks for quickly selling stolen goods. The situation has become so dire that he is considering hiring security guards at a cost of £8,000 per month.
Shop staff are experiencing significant intimidation and fear. Maria Sanchez, a manager, was punched in the face by a thief and has been threatened outside her workplace. She describes the street as “very dangerous” and full of criminals. Other employees report feeling constantly on edge, with some even experiencing sleep disruptions due to the ongoing threat.
The thieves appear increasingly bold, often stealing items while looking staff directly in the eye and knowing they cannot be physically stopped. Some staff have been knocked to the floor, and many have received verbal threats, leading to high turnover as workers feel unsafe.
Sabine Fischlin from the Woollen Mill reports that the situation has significantly worsened since August, forcing them to remove valuable items from window displays before closing. The shop is now in near-constant contact with police.
Police Scotland acknowledges the issue, with Ch Insp Mark Hamilton stating they are fully aware of the ongoing thefts. They claim to have a dedicated team working with businesses and conducting regular patrols. The force has already charged a 43-year-old man for thefts from two shops in October.
However, shopkeepers remain frustrated, feeling that the current law enforcement response is inadequate. Singh Gold describes the city center as “lawless” and criticizes the apparent failure of existing crime control systems.
The repeated thefts are not just a financial burden but are creating a climate of fear and intimidation along one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious streets. Businesses are being forced to implement costly security measures and are struggling to protect their staff and merchandise.
As the “theftdemic” continues, there is a growing sense of urgency for more effective intervention to restore safety and security to the Royal Mile’s business community.
