BURGLARS reportedly broke into a convenience store in St Columb Major and stole a quantity of money.

The incident is thought to have taken place at the Co-op in Fore Street today (Wednesday, January 22) at around 1.35am.

It is believed two suspects forced their way into the store and took money before leaving the scene. The premises has closed while police attend the scene and the staff deal with the incident.

A police spokesperson said: “Police were called following reports of a burglary at a commercial premises in Fore Street, St Columb Major.

“It was reported that entry was forced and money stolen. Two suspects then left the scene. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The community has been left angry following the incident.

Mirelle Frost said: “The Co-Op provides such a valued service to St Columb. I hope they are caught and prevented from further theft and damage to property.”

Steve Watts added: “It is time for the community to come together.

“Anyone with camera doorbells, CCTV on any of the streets leading to or from the Co-Op should get in touch with the police.

“There’s only two ways in and out of the town, so any other CCTV of vehicles coming and leaving the town would also be beneficial.

“I’m sure the town council will be accessing their CCTV.

“Let’s make outsiders aware that they won’t get away with committing crime our town.”

Lyn Gill said: “I’m so sorry for the lovely staff in the Co-Op who work so hard to help their customers.

“I can't praise them highly enough. I hope the perpetrators are found soon.”

The incident follows a spate of reported burglaries at convenience stores in the Newquay area, which has resulted in tens of thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes, alcohol and tobacco being stolen.

The Spar shops at Tregaswith, Quintrell Downs and Tower Road have been among those targeted.

The Spar at Tower Road was the first to be targeted during the early hours of Sunday, January 5 at about 2.45am. The would-be thieves tried to pull the shop shutters up but were unable to break into the store.

Two men broke into The Spar at North Way in Quintrell Downs shortly after at 3am and stole cigarettes.

The Spar at Tregaswith was broken into during the early hours of Monday, January 6 at about 5am after two men pulled up outside in a black Audi.

Businesses in Nansledan are also counting the cost after being “targeted by crooks”.

Burglars reportedly broke into Ladyvale Bakery at Chi Tennyson causing damage before stealing money sometime between January 11 and 13.

Reports were also received of an attempted break-in at KM Aesthetics at Chi, Woles, at around the same timeframe, with damage sustained to the property.

Anybody with information or relevant CCTV footage regarding the Co-Op burglary is asked to call 101 or visit our website quoting 50250017185.