Co-op Ashurst hit by another ram raid as shop destroyed

The Welcome Co-op store in Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, was broken into overnight.

Despite a row of metal bollards outside the store, would-be thieves managed to crash a vehicle through the front of the building.

The ram raid caused extensive damage to the exterior of the shop and part of the interior.

The metal shutters were seen lying on the forecourt on Tuesday morning and a large pane of smashed glass is propped against the front wall.

Damage to Co-op in Ashurst (Image: NQ)

The store was sealed off by police after the raid and remains closed while workers repair the damage.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed officers were called after a vehicle forced entry shortly after midnight.

A spokesperson confirmed no items were stolen, but damage was caused to the shutters.

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"Officers are investigating the report and enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed anything of the incident should call 101 and quote incident number 44240388076.

"We’d also like to hear from anyone with any footage which may assist in our investigation, including CCTV, dash cam or mobile phone."

Damage to Co-op in Ashurst (Image: NQ)

Meanwhile, New Forest Detective Inspector, Tim Sivarajah, said: “We completely understand the concern that such incidents will cause the community and business owners.

“I would like to reassure them that my officers and I are working extremely hard to establish the full circumstances and identify those responsible.

“Part of our response also includes high-visibility patrols by officers from the District Policing Teams and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

“If you spot those officers out and about in the community, please come over and have a chat with them.

“They will be happy to hear from you and will also be on hand to listen to any concerns you may have and respond to any questions."

Damage to Co-op in Ashurst (Image: NQ)

The force confirmed they are not ruling out a link between this incident and others similar incidents.

The store was targeted on August 19, when cigarettes were stolen. A Co-op store in Totton was also hit.

The Totton store was again targeted on September 2.

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A spokesperson for Southern Co-op said: "We confirm that our Welcome, Ashurst store was broken into overnight - the second time the store has been targeted in less than a month. We're unable to comment further as the matter is now under police investigation. 

"We have taken a number of security measures to protect our colleagues and stores as much as possible, but incidents such as break-ins, assaults and violence are on the rise and experienced by many retailers, not just ourselves.

"We're working both individually and collaboratively to try and prevent these issues where we can and continue to offer full support to our colleagues who have to deal with incidents of this nature."