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THIS is the shocking moment a knife-wielding thug raided a city centre restaurant locked down during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mini Grill, based on Glasgow's Bath Street, closed their doors last Friday evening to "weigh up their options" as businesses were urged to shut down to stop the spread of the deadly disease.
Since then, all non-essential businesses have been ordered to close or face police intervention.
But worrying CCTV footage shared from the popular restaurant shows a yob flouting social distancing rules - to break in and raid the stock.
READ MORE: Coronavirus LIVE: Scotland's confirmed cases breaks 1000 with 33 deaths
One picture shows the man wielding a long knife during the incident, which took place during the early hours of Monday morning.
The firm have now urged people with information to come forward.
They posted on Facebook: "REWARD OFFERED - Talk about being kicked when we're down?
"After closing the doors of our beloved Mini Grill on Friday due to the global virus epidemic, we took some time to reflect and weigh up our options."
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Glasgow cases jump to 299 as Scotland hits 1059 with 33 deaths
They added: "We returned on Monday to find our window had been smashed and our downstairs restaurant ransacked with substantial damage and most of our stock stolen.
"We are now appealing for your help at this time.
"If you recognise this knife-wielding cretin or have seen anyone trying to sell booze for a heavily discounted (knock-off price) in the city centre, or have any info to help us, please message us."
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland confirmed the incident has been reported to them.
She said: "Police enquiries are at an early stage following a report of a break-in at premises on Bath Street, Glasgow in the early hours of Monday March 23.
"The incident was reported was report to police on Friday, March 27.
"Anyone with information should contact Govan Police Office through 101."
It comes as Best Bar None Scotland, which was set up to raise standards amongst licensed venues, warned firms that thieves are looking to exploit the shut down by targeting empty bars and restaurants.
Licensed venues from across Scotland were forced to close quickly when the shut down was enforced on March 20, meaning many did not have the time to put the necessary security measures in place for their premises to lie empty.
Robert Hogg, Best Bar None Scotland’s National Coordinator, said: “Unfortunately, thieves are looking at the COVID-19 enforced shut down as an opportunity to cash in as they know the majority of bars and restaurants are now lying empty.
"Therefore, we are urging all licensed premises to ensure they have the necessary security measures in place to protect themselves.”
Police Constable David MacCrimmon, SOC and Counter Terrorism Lead at Best Bar None Scotland and Scottish Business Resilience Centre, added: “This is a very tough time for everyone involved in the licensed trade, but thieves do not care about this and are looking to exploit the shut down.
"There are examples of empty bars and restaurants being targeted all over the UK, with the likes of alcohol and cash being stolen.
“I would advise all licensed premises to ensure their security is tightened while premises lie empty.
"I would consider firming up security at rear doors, fire exits and any outside/pavement cellar access, boarding up where appropriate. Remove alcohol from view, such as spirit bottles on optics, and think about covering up or boarding up windows to obscure view.
"Put notices up saying ‘No Alcohol/Cash/Food stored on premises’ and look at repositioning CCTV to better cover entrances and exits.
"Ensure alarms, including fire alarms, are full functioning and make sure you keep key holders lists up to date, who can be contacted in times of emergency.
"Consider timer switches or ensure sufficient lighting is left on at the premises/surrounding area, and also enlist the help of neighbouring businesses, asking them to report anything suspicious.”
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