A FAMILY business has hit out at thieves who tried to break into their premises for the FOURTH time, calling them "absolute scum".

Scampers Soft Play in Pitreavie Business Park was targeted overnight sometime between Saturday and Sunday but the attempted break-in was unsuccessful.

Owner Gail Jack took to social media to get the message through to criminals that "nothing of value or any cash" is kept in the premises overnight.

She told the Press: "I can't believe that we've only been open for two years and this is the fourth time they've tried to break in.

"I have no idea what these people think they are going to get here because there's nothing to take!

"None of our neighbours have had any of the same problems.

"I'm really angry and upset – why are they doing this?"

Thieves tried to cut through the premises by putting a hole in the side of the building at the weekend.

Scamper's Facebook post has been shared nearly 500 times and many readers shared their disgust, including Kirsty Oneill Lockley, who said: "People who do this are just pure scum! Nothing justifies this behaviour it’s an enjoyment for young kids."

The first week Scampers opened, in March 2016, the premises were broken into. Burglars managed to get into the building that time but nothing was taken.

After the incident they had their fire doors changed but attempted break-ins have continued.

Gail added: "Obviously every business has these issues but it seems that we are being targeted specifically.

"They seem quite determined to get in and you can see that they've tried to cut through the wall of the building this time.

"They might not have taken anything but every time this happens there is a cost and it causes upset.

"Maybe they thought it's just been the Easter holidays and they'll have made a load of money but we're not stupid enough to leave money here!" Gail said.

"We are just a family business, not a big corporation with hundreds of pounds to spend every time they cause damage.

"We just want the message to get through – leave us alone."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police in Fife received a report of an attempted break-in to a children’s play centre at Pitreavie Crescent, Dunfermline.

"The incident happened at some point between Saturday 14th April and Sunday 15th April.

"Anyone who noticed anything suspicious or who has information that can assist officers with their inquiries is asked to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 1570 of 15th April."