THIEVES smashed their way into Hale Newsagents in Woodfalls and stole cigarettes and tobacco.

The shop in The Ridge was broken into during the early hours of Friday morning.

Shop owner Richard Swanborough said: “They smashed the cigarette gantry and pinched cigarettes and tobacco.

“They smashed the door to pieces. We have to have a new door, I think that is going to be more than what the tobacco [was worth]."

He said: “A neighbour shouted out at them and they scarpered. They weren’t in there very long, a matter of less than two minutes. It was smash and grab.”

I’ve been here 32 years and this has happened about four times I think – that’s break-ins not shoplifting.

“The last one they couldn’t get in and smashed the door. This time they did get in. They had something pretty heavy to smash the lock. The lock went one way and the handles went the other way.

“It is a sign of the times.”

He added: “I’m quite philosophical about it. If you are here long enough it is going to happen.”

However, Mr Swanborough said it was still business as usual yesterday.

He said: “The staff have pulled out all the stops to clean up the mess and accommodate the customers coming through the side door while they couldn’t work behind the till. They have been brilliant. We have muddled through.”

Police were called to reports of the burglary shortly after 2am. A spokesman said: “Our enquiries are continuing – anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious who has not already spoken to police should call 101.”