Story highlights Police: Such incidents are "very rare" on Canna; the last theft is thought to have been in the 1960s

Island's community shop may be locked following theft

Resident: "We just want to get the hats back"

(CNN) Six woolly hats, a clutch of candy bars, coffee, biscuits and batteries were the unlikely targets of what's being dubbed the "crime of the century" on the tiny Scottish island of Canna.

The theft of the items from the island's community shop has attracted huge media attention from across the globe.

Crime is so rare on the island, it's thought that there hasn't been a recorded case of theft since the 1960s.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of people from all over the world, who've offered donations and offered money," said one resident, who didn't want to be named. "We've had calls from Australia and America -- it's incredible.

"The police were here; they're doing their investigation, and we're hoping we'll get somewhere," he said. "We just want to get the hats back."

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