VOLUNTEERS at The Village Shop in Ashton Keynes have spoken of their shock following a raid.

The community owned shop is run by staff and volunteers who live in the village.

Dave Sheppard, vice chairman of the shop, said: “When anyone steals from the shop, it is effectively stealing from our community.

“It leaves a feeling of vulnerability.

“For the staff and those of us on the managing committee it is a bit of a kick in the teeth.

“The burglars probably don’t even realise the effect this has, particularly on volunteers that give up their time to ensure that Ashton Keynes has a thriving shop.”

The burglary is thought to have taken place at around 9pm on Wednesday, November 4, with over £5,000 worth of cigarettes and cash stolen.

A burglar alarm was smashed with a broom handle to prevent it from going off and the external light sensors at the front of the shop and along the path from the car park.

“The shop was a mess by the front door because of the shattered glass where they entered” said Mr Sheppard.

“The internal emergency light had been pulled out of the ceiling and front door of the Cigarette cabinet had been ripped off, both were lying on the floor.

“Then a tool was used to bend the steel door into the back office, so much so that the locks gave in, to take the safe and a small cash-box.”

Two male suspects were captured on CCTV - call 101. Crime reference number 54200110792.