Appeal for witnesses after ram-raid thieves target village stores
0 Comments | Express & Echo; Exeter (UK), Sep 23, 2009 | by FRAN MCELHONE
THIEVES stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes and tobacco in four minutes after reversing their van through a shop’s front doors.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the ram-raid at a Nisa supermarket and garage early yesterday morning.
Two men wearing balaclavas reversed the silver-coloured Vauxhall Astra van several times into the glass doors of the Lapford store at 4.15am. CCTV footage, which is being reviewed by police, shows the men run across the shop and jump over the counter where they break into the cigarette cabinet using a crowbar.
The store’s manager Helen Barker, 27 said: “The shop’s electronic sliding door was smashed and had completely caved in.
“I rang the police and they arrived within 20 minutes.
We watched the CCTV footage and saw the whole incident.
“The two men were wearing balaclavas and gloves. They reversed their van into the glass doors several times before it was smashed enough for them to get in.
“After they’d managed to open the cabinet with a crowbar, they ripped the shelves out of the unit and started loading the tobacco into bin bags.
“When one was finishing off, the other loaded the van.
“Then they got in and drove off towards Egglesford.
“I haven’t been able to do a stock count yet, but I know that several thousand pounds worth has been stolen.
“Although the men were wearing gloves, they left behind several items, including tools and bin bags so, hopefully, the police will be able to get some more evidence from them.
“The men appear to be white and both have a stocky build.
“The damage and inconvenience caused has been very upsetting. It is unfortunate that there are people out there capable of doing this.”
Detective Sergeant Pete Boorn, of Tiverton CID, said: “A substantial quantity of cigarettes was stolen.
“We have recovered what appears to be shelving from the break in that had been dumped on the side of the road on Exmoor.”
Lapford parish councillor for Peter Heal said: “The incident is dreadful and isn’t the sort of thing you expect to see in the village.
“I hope this is not something we have to get used to, but unfortunately these are the times we live in,” he said.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Tiverton CID via the police’s main switchboard number 08452 777444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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