A CREDITON businessman is counting the cost of a Christmas Day break-in.

While little was taken during the break-in, a glass-paned door was smashed after a man allegedly threw a fire extinguisher through it to gain access.

Ian Taylor at Video Movies, 3 High Street, Crediton, said that sweets and cans of fizzy drinks were taken during the break-in but the cost of replacing the glass was expensive and with his door boarded-up, business was suffering because people believed that his shop may be closed.

Mr Taylor described the break-in as a "real inconvenience".

He said he would like to say that Video Movies is open for business and he will ensure that the glass is replaced as soon as possible.

Neil Kemp from Tiverton CID, said that the break-in was reported to police at about 3.45am on Christmas Day by a witness.

He thanked the witness for their action in reporting the break-in, which resulted in police attending the scene and arresting a suspect a short distance from the scene.

Mr Kemp added that property from the shop was recovered on the suspect, a local man, who is now on bail pending further investigations.

He appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who knew where the red fire extinguisher may have been taken from and used during the break-in to contact him at Tiverton Police Station.

The crime reference is KC/13/982 and you can use the Police non-emergency number, 101.

Alan Quick