Edinburgh bookshop devastated as CCTV shows grim crime as they lock up for day
Argonaut Books on Leith Walk was victimised in the theft on the evening of Saturday, June 21.
Police confirmed they received a report of the burglary around 8.40pm.
READ MORE: Edinburgh locals warn 'we will go to war over parking' if development goes ahead
READ MORE: Edinburgh locals party atop Arthur's Seat at stunning sunset rave
Shopkeepers at the store, located at 15-17 Leith Walk, were preparing to shut for the night when a group of four thieves allegedly entered the bookshop, stealing the donation money from a Scottish Book Trust charity tin.
Bosses assured customers on social media their staff are "all fine" but that the thieves were "threatening and aggressive", adding "as retail workers, it's nothing that we've not seen before."
A CCTV image shared via the shop's Instagram appears to show an individual wearing a white T-shirt reaching into a charity tin.
A message on Argonaut's Instagram reads: "We were robbed last night. Its one thing when it's our stock or our money that is targeted, there's insurance and systems in place for this, but when it's stealing from a charity in an extremely direct way then we just can't abide it.
"Beyond the obvious anger and gurstration we feel, what happened last night is representative of the struggle that SBT and other charities are up against if they can't even be guaranteed the pennies from our counter. However, we will always try to make the best out of a bad situation! This morning we have made a donation of £300.
"On top of our own £300 donation, we will be donation matching up to a further £300 this week. There's a link in our bio and in our stories that takes you directly to the donation page of the SBT website. "Anything you can spare is appreciated and goes directly to funding the immensely important work that the SBT do. Even if you can't give at the moment, telling a friend or sharing is also extremely helpful. Thank you all and we'll see you in the bookshop soon!
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We received a report of a theft from a premises on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, around 8.40pm on Saturday, 22 June, 2025. Enquiries are at an early stage.'
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community her e and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Rape victim commended for 'extraordinary courage' in convicting attacker
A rape victim has been commended for her "extraordinary courage" in securing the conviction of her attacker. Andrew Grinham, 48, of Felixstowe, was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with a five-year extended licence period, after being found guilty of two counts of rape and three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was convicted following an eight-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court on May 29 and sentenced on July 22. Detective Constable Jennifer Botting, the officer in charge of the case, said: "Grinham carried out horrific abuse to his victim, causing long-lasting effects that have impacted her life and those around her. Andrew Grinham has been locked up (Image: Suffolk police) "I want to commend her for the extraordinary courage she has shown in coming forward and seeing this case through to the end. "We hope today's outcome brings some measure of justice and reassurance – not only to the victim in this case, but to others who may be suffering in silence." The offences took place over several years. Grinham was also given a three-year concurrent sentence for the assault offences. He is now subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order, and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. DC Botting also thanked her colleague, Detective Constable James Lait. She said: "I would also like to thank DC James Lait, who was the initial officer in charge of the case before I took on the investigation. "His team progressed enquiries over a prolonged period to ensure we were able to reach the right outcome for the victim. "Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to supporting survivors and bringing perpetrators to justice, no matter how long it takes." Victims of rape or sexual assault can contact the Suffolk Independent Sexual Advisory Service at 0330 223 0099 or The Ferns Centre for support.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Four illegal workers found at restaurant near Darlington in immigration probe
A restaurant near Darlington could be stripped of its license after four illegal workers were found by immigration officers. The Oak Tree, in Middleton-St-George, was slapped with a £90,000 fine earlier this year for employing two people who did not have the right to work. It followed an immigration visit on December 18 where a total of four illegal workers were identified, one of whom 'tried to run from the kitchen' when officers arrived. Three of the four did not hold the right to work, while the other was working in breach of conditions. The Home Office has now applied to strip the Yarm Road restaurant of its license. The venue, which was taken over by owner Ersim Aydi in June 2024, has still not paid the fine, and bailiffs have now been sent in. Ms Aydin, who is now due to leave her role, apologised to anyone who she had caused distress, saying it was 'never my intention' and that she 'really, really tried'. She claimed that two workers have since started the process with the Home Office and are not illegally working, although this has not been confirmed. Operator Punch Pubs said it takes matters like this 'extremely seriously' and is seeking advice 'to ensure the appropriate action is taken'. Illegal working and minimum wage concerns The probe found two of the workers were found to have entered the UK illegally via small boats. Worker A, who tried to run into the garden when officers arrived, had been working in the kitchen for roughly two weeks, seven hours each day for six days a week. He was paid £300 in cash per week, which raised concerns as this would equate to £7.14 per hour, more than £4 less than the national minimum wage (£11.44 at the time). The premises licence review report said low wages appeared to be supplemented by free food and accommodation. The Oak Tree Ms Aydin told officers she was 'aware that he was not allowed to work in the UK' and Worker A said right to work checks had not been conducted. Worker B, who was found making bread in the kitchen, 'attempted to walk away" when officers arrived and "consistently denied working'. He claimed he arrived at the restaurant the day before to see a friend and have tea - but the manager said he was on a work trial with a view to hiring him. He was found working in breach of his work restrictions, as his claim for protection was refused. An appeal is ongoing. Worker C, who was seen answering the phone and serving a table, confirmed she had been working there for around three weeks. She claimed she did not have scheduled shifts, and is asked to work during busy periods. She said she was not paid and gets free food and accommodation. She said her employer helped her with 'the papers' and that she was aware of her not holding the right to work. Worker C was allowed entry to the UK in September 2024 as a visitor and has never held the right to work in the UK. Worker D, who was seen leaving one of the rooms above the restaurant, claimed he first came ten days ago for an interview. He said he is a chef and a baker but does not work there, claiming he left his passport in London. Officers found it in his bedroom, alongside a fake passport. His last valid leave expired in March 2023, and there were no outstanding applications at the time, meaning he had no right to work. Ms Aydin, who employs the staff, told officers: 'I don't normally ask for ID, I do ask if they're ok to work and nine out of ten I go with what they say.' This was branded 'problematic'. Although one of the workers claimed he did not work there, he was considered a worker at the site as he had an interview ten days before. 'We take matters like this extremely seriously' In response, Ms Aydin said: 'To Darlington Council, the brewery, the community: I am so sorry if I've ever caused distress. That was never my intention. I tried to belong. 'I took over a pub not to take anything away but to build something for everyone. If I failed, then I carry that failure with pain. Because I tried. I really, really tried. 'I gave all of myself to the pub and the people in it. I never treated anyone like an employee or a customer - I treated them like family. Like human beings. 'I gave everything I could, whether it was time, support, a meal, a kind word. I just wanted people to feel like they mattered. 'To everyone who supported me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.' A Punch Pubs & Co spokesperson: 'The Oak Tree Inn forms a part of our Leased and Tenanted estate. It is operated under the terms of a tenancy agreement, meaning the Publican runs their own pub business with complete autonomy. Read more: Post Office confirms branch closing date - as bosses explore takeover interest Darlington hair salon forced to pay another former staff member thousands 'Milestone of justice' for Jack Woodley's mum as teen's killers unmasked They are responsible for the day-to-day operation, including upholding the licensing objectives. That said, we take matters like this extremely seriously. 'We have been made aware of the application for a premises license review and are currently seeking advice to ensure the appropriate action is taken. 'The Oak Tree pub is an important part of the Punch estate, and we will do everything we can to protect its long-term future.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man accused of violent and controlling behaviour — and throttling neighbour
A MAN accused of violent and controlling behaviour towards his partner, and allegedly throttling a neighbour, will have his case heard by an Isle of Wight Crown Court judge Prince Francis, of South Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 29). He offered no plea to engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship, by continuously engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, namely that on at least two occasions violence will be used towards his partner. He also faced charges of inflicting actual bodily harm against his partner, and intentional strangulation against a female neighbour. It is alleged the incidents occurred at Totland Bay, between November 30, 2023, and November 20 last year. The 40-year-old was bailed to reappear for a hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court, on September 1.
