Spate of Staffordshire shop raids sparks police probe

Fashion shop Vogue Boutique in Burntwood was the latest target.

Owner Andrew Humphries heard a gang trying to smash into the store on Tuesday night but he managed to scare them off.

A toy shop in Rugeley and another fashion store in Little Aston have also been raided. Staffordshire Police are now investigating the attacks and any possible link between them.

Mr Humphries, who lives in a flat above the ladies fashion shop, said he was reading at around 11.45pm when he heard a noise.

"The first I realised something was happening was when there was a bang," he said.

"I hadn't heard the car pull up outside. I looked out the window and saw three men trying to get in the shop so I shouted a load of profanities at them. They dived in the car and it sped off."

The police were called and arrived just minutes later and went to search for a dark red Citroen C3 Picasso.

Mr Humphries said all the men were wearing dark balaclavas but they did not get away with any stock.

"We have only been open for about six months," he added.

""I am so glad that they didn't get anything though. I think if they had of got in they would have cleaned us out. It's a fairly strong door. I have gone out to buy CCTV cameras today too now."

Earlier in the evening, at 8.30pm, police were called to a burglary at Chase Lines on Boston Industrial Estate in Rugeley.

Jane Hoult, from Staffordshire Police said: "Officers attended the scene where it was established that offenders had forced entry into the premises and after making an untidy search stole a number of remote control helicopters."

On Monday at 10.30pm there was a break-in at fashion store Abigails on Little Aston Lane. Offenders stole clothes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Claire Fry