A BREAK-IN occurred at Evans Newsagents in Crediton during the early hours of this morning, Wednesday, September 5, the burglars gaining access after throwing a large rock through one of the shop’s windows.

While in the premises the burglars attempted to break into the cigarette display, but were unsuccessful and escaped with £51 which had been put aside as payment for an early morning supplier.

The business is run by Paul and Tara Conabeare who were woken up after hearing the alarm go off in their flat which is above the shop.

Paul said that he and Tara were left shocked by the incident.

He explained: “After throwing the rock through the window they used a dumpy bag to cover the glass to get through the hole.

“They tried to break into the cigarette gantry but weren’t successful.

“They did take some money put out for a supplier and opened the tills but there were only a few coppers in those, no significant money.”

Tara and Paul opened the shop as usual at 5am after clearing up the debris at about 3am.

Their son Billy, who was also woken by the break-in, said that he thinks two youths were responsible.

He said: “They cycled up here and threw a huge brick and then crawled through. They took £51 out of the till, and crawled back out after 10 minutes – it looked like it was two kids.

“There was a big hole where they’ve crawled through.

“We have been given lots of names of possible suspects.”

Paul added that CCTV from just after 1am shows the suspects riding off on bicycles via North Street after the break-in.

He added that a single man and two girls can be seen in the area at about the time of the break-in and he asked that these possible witnesses come forward.

Paul and Tara also expressed concerns at the recent worrying rise in crime in Crediton.

Tara adds that she and Paul are overwhelmed with the support they have received from not only members of the community but also other businesses offering their services to help free-of-charge. She said: “The community of Crediton is close and we all pull together when one of us is in need. “We also hope to get involved in a town meeting being organised by Ian Stoyle to discuss what can be done about this ongoing issue of break-ins.”Devon and Cornwall Police forensics visited the scene this morning.

Crediton Police are investigating the break-in and have issued an appeal for information.

If you can help the police, please telephone 101.