GLASGOW cops have issued a warning to nurseries and small businesses after noticing a spike in targeted thefts in the city.

The force said over the last six weeks, there has been a 'noticeable rise' in shops and children's nurseries being specifically targeted for float money, often left in tills or cash boxes.

We reported earlier this month that Cardonald Nursery and Rosshall Nursery School, near Paisley Road West, were both the victims of such thefts.

Both facilities were broken into and trashed within a space of 24 hours with valuables and keys stolen. 

We also told how popular restaurant Bungo in the South Side had been broken into three times in six months.

Pollokshaws restaurant Gnom also closed earlier this month after a break-in. 

Police previously revealed that the break-ins in the South Side in areas including Battlefield, Shawlands, Strathbungo, and Govanhill are all believed to be linked to the same group who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage across the area. 

Now the force has specifically asked those businesses who leave cash in tills overnight to be extra vigilant.

Detective Inspector Kevin Gilmour said: “Tackling theft remains a priority for officers within the Greater Glasgow area and we work tirelessly to pursue offenders who target small businesses and reduce crime. But it is vital that we have the support of business owners in order to do this.

“We have seen a number of thefts recently where criminals have been targeting small businesses who leave money in their tills overnight so we are urging small business owners to take some simple precautions, such as ensuring that no money, no matter the amount, is left in tills overnight.

“We would also advise leaving till drawers open so that would-be thieves can see there is no money and putting a sign in the window, in plain view saying that cash is not left on the premises overnight.

“Opportunistic theft of this kind not only causes a monetary loss, but those responsible often damage the premises in an attempt to find money. So, not only do businesses lose out financially, but they also have to pay out to rectify any damage done.

“Police Scotland’s website has further useful advice and crime prevention tips for businesses which can be found here

“Anyone with information about opportunistic crime of this nature should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous call to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”