A SHOPKEEPER has been left shaken and upset after thieves broke into her store - grabbing more than £1,000 pounds worth of cash, alcohol and cigarettes.

Sue Hilder said she had never experienced theft on this scale in the 18 years she has run Sue’s Store in Trimdon Grange, near Sedgefield, County Durham.

The raid on the small convenience store happened between 7pm on Saturday, December 29, and 8am on Sunday, December 30 when thieves forced open the rear shutter and double wooden doors to enter.

An estimated £800 pounds worth of alcohol was taken and around £400-worth of cigarettes. The day’s takings were also seized, as well as a £50 collection for the cricket club.

“They cleared the shelf containing all the high value alcohol, such as vodka, gin and whisky, but left behind a bottle of Harvey’s Bristol Cream,” said Mrs Hilder.

“They took Saturday’s takings but tossed all the coppers all over the floor as if to say ‘you can keep them.”

She found out about the burglary the following morning when a neighbour phoned to break the news.

“I have been here 18 years and never experienced anything like this,” she said. “It is awful to wake up to a phone call telling you your business has been broken into.

“I was shaking when I arrived at the shop and have felt nervous ever since. Last night, I woke my husband up at 3am and asked him to go and check the area as I am so worried it will happen again.”

Mrs Hilder also lost out on a morning’s trade following the burglary as the shop had to close on Sunday to allow police to inspect the scene of the crime.

Police are appealing for information about the incident and would like to speak to anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the Redesdale Court area overnight on Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police’s non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.