Seddon shops targeted as thieves strike

Seddon shop owners have been left devastated after being targeted by thieves in early morning break ins.

The Cosy Corner dairy and Seddon Supermarket have been hit by thieves who broke in, stealing cash in what owners believe was a planned strike.

Dairy owner Linda Horton says it is the first time in 25 years that the store has been broken into after the back door was forced open during the early hours of Thursday.

The supermarket was the first to be hit on Tuesday at 2.20am where thieves took cigarettes, vapes, a bag of groceries and a phone from the counter, while also trying to get into the cash register.

She says the thieves have been recorded targeting the shop with seeming prior knowledge of where daily cash was safely stashed.

“The culprits went in through the back of the kitchen and went straight for the place we keep cash, so they have scoped out our operation.

“I’m really pissed off – we haven’t been broken into for 25 years so it’s incredibly sad and frustrating to have happen again, especially with having been away down south this week.”

Linda and her husband, Bruce Horton, were away on holiday, at  the South Island and New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships in Otago when they got a call from concerned locals saying the store alarm was going off.

Cutting her break short, Linda flew back home to deal with the aftermath of the break in.

The shocked store owner says she is grateful the store was empty at the time.

“We’re so glad that all members of staff are safe.

“The alarm makes one hell of a noise that scared them off and our thorough cameras captured plenty of footage that has been handed to the police, so I have full faith whoever’s done this will be caught.

“Police have been quick to respond, she says.

Seddon Supermarket staff member Olivia Haddon-Jones says the break in is "disgraceful."

"I'm really annoyed that for such a small community we have to experience such disgraceful behaviour."

Police fficers have completed a scene examination at the supermarket after responding to reports of a smashed window.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, a police spokesperson says.

While no official link has been found, investigations will continue into the possibility.

“Police are investigating a burglary at a commercial premises on Mills Street.

“Police were called after an offender entered the premises. The offender proceeded to take cash and items before fleeing the scene.

“Police attended and are making enquiries to identify and locate the person responsible.

“We have no information to suggest these incidents are related, however this will form part of the investigation.”

Anyone with any information about either incidents can contact local police or call 555.