Store burglary leaves owner feeling vulnerable

Thieves broke into Hoofs Paws and Claws Ltd by removing tiles from its roof and then climbing down into the shop through a loft hatch.

Owner Andrea Jones said the theft hit the business hard, as the stock had still not been replaced by insurers which meant they were unable to recover the income and the shop had lost a day’s takings when it was closed following the break-in.

She said: “We think whoever did it has definitely been into the shop to check it out before-hand.

“A group of three blokes came in recently and looked and the ladies’ clothing then left again.

“But I feel vulnerable because they have obviously been watching us.

“How did they know where our safe was? They haven’t gone through anything, no mess anywhere and no cupboards left open.”

Andrea said the shop, on Hasland Road, was surrounded by houses but none of the neighbours had seen anything.

Thieves made off with a safe and women’s riding clothes, consisting mainly of jackets, fleece tops, jodhpurs and t-shirts.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said the shop had been broken into sometime between 4pm on March 11 and 10am on March 12 an that investigations were ongoing.

He added “If members of the public are offered clothing for sale we would like to hear from them.”

If you have any information call Derbyshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 17000104687.