Outrage as Moray village's larder is raided
Food items were dumped on the street following the break-in
A Moray village has been rocked after a "despicable" break in at their community larder.
The Dufftown and District Association's larder at the Royal British Legion on Balvenie Street was ransacked during the early hours of this morning.
Food items were then dumped on the street after the store was was broken into.
Police say the culprit may live nearby as they left on foot.
Earlier today, the Association took to Facebook to share pictures of the break in.
They say they're "angry and desperately hurt" by the incident.
The post said: "A sad, sad day here in Dufftown.
"Our wonderful Community Larder has been broken into overnight.
"Donated items have been taken. Worst and most vile of all, these items were then dumped in the street.
"I cannot tell you how angry and at the same time desperately hurt I am personally by this. The actions of some utterly despicable person means our dear friends who use the Larder are unable to collect stores.
"This one person has caused trouble not only for our Community Larder, but also for our kind host the Dufftown RBL, to whom i can only apologise for this inconvenience."
Speyside Glenlivet Councillor Derek Ross says the break in is "beneath contempt."
He said: "It's despicable. People have been very generous, all through Speyside Glenlivet there's a number of these larders in the area, helping out people who are less fortunate at the moment and are having problems financially.
"It's beneath contempt for someone to do something like that.
"For something like this to happen to a community, it's a bit of a slap in the face. So many people are doing so much to try and help.
"It's cruel and senseless."
Police say a man was seen walking away from the premises around 12:30am today.
Constable Craig Magowan, of Moray Community Policing, said: "Although this incident happened in the early hours of the morning, we are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with our investigation.
"If you noticed anyone acting suspicious in the area around the time of the incident please get in contact with police.
"It is believed that the person responsible may live locally in the Dufftown area due to the person leaving by foot.
"Various items stolen were generous donations from the local community to assist the most vulnerable during the on-going global pandemic and I would ask if you have any information to speak to officers."
Police Scotland can be contacted by calling 101 and quoting incident number 0595 of Monday, 1 February, 2021.