A West Kilbride restaurant was broken into earlier this week.
A thief broke into the Cita Tapas bar, next to the railway station, and escaped with cash, in the early hours of Monday morning, June 12.
Police are appealing for information in relation to the break-in at the well known local eatery.
CCTV footage shows the masked hoodlum forcing entry to the premises from the outside, before the inside surveillance cameras show the thief rummaging around in the bar area before making off.
The News understands that £300 was stolen - and some minor damage to the premises took place.
The premises is based in Cubrieshaw Street in the village - and CCTV footage is being examined.
Cita Tapas owner Chris McMail told the News: "It is a shocking thing to happen - we have passed over all our CCTV footage to the police.
"There has been a spate of break-ins recently - and hopefully the culprit can be caught.
"This the last thing you want to see happen - and these people that do this are sickening. Cash was stolen and this was money which included staff tips."
Cita Tapas put out a statement on their website which said: "We’re really sad to share that at 3:31am on Monday morning our restaurant was broken into by a male with a large rock.
"As shown by our CCTV videos, he wore a grey tracksuit, black trainers & gloves. He rummaged around our till area looking for money (which was empty as we don’t keep any takings in the restaurant) but unfortunately left with our staff tips from over gala weekend.
"We appreciate any information that could help us identify the intruder and help our team get their hard earned tips back. Information can also be given anonymously to the police by phoning 101 and quoting reference PS-20230612-2067. All shares are appreciated - thank you."
Cita Tapas was opened as a Spanish themed restaurant in February last year, and has been a popular West Kilbride eatery with outdoor seating area, live sport, and cocktails.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.14pm on Monday, June 12, we received a report of a housebreaking at a premises in Cubrieshaw Street, West Kilbride.
"The incident happened around 3.30am and enquiries are ongoing.”
If you an help the police, contact 101.
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