Oxfordshire store hit by Boxing Day break-in
Minster Lovell Spar in Witney had just recovered from a similar break-in in September
Last updated 27th Dec 2024
An Oxfordshire store owner has told us of his devastation at a Boxing Day break in, whilst the owners slept upstairs.
In the early hours of Thursday 26th December a group of five masked men armed with sledgehammers and with two vehicles broke into the store and robbed the cash machine situated at the back.
Retailer Ian Lewis from Spar Minster Lovell told us he was the unfortunate victim of a recent attempted break-in back in September as well:
"On the 17th December we had just had new £12,000 doors fitted after the last break in."
In that break in, four people were caught live on camera with horrific electric saws and crowbars. In the the latest incident as well as the September break-in his elderly mother and father were sleeping above the shop.
"My parents are 83 and 76, my mum doesn't sleep very well since anymore."
In a post on Facebook the owners shared:
"We’re devastated to share that we’ve been the victims of another robbery. This time, the damage is far more extensive, and we’re still processing the full impact of what’s happened.
Thankfully, everyone is safe, but we’re in total shock. At this moment, we’re unsure when we’ll be able to open today, if at all.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate through this difficult time. We’ll keep you updated as we know more.
The Lewis Family x"
Hundreds of messages have been posted in support of the family, with one commenting "And yet in the midst of all that devastation, worry and mess, you’ve still managed to deliver our newspaper. That sums up what incredible people you are."
Ian confirmed his elderly father was out delivering papers this morning, saying "that's the kind of person he is."
It's hoped the store front can be boarded up today and a temporary door put in.
The independently run businesses say Thames Valley Police are investigating.