Oxfordshire shop owner left 'devastated' after store ram-raided and cash machine stolen
ITV News Meridian's Ciaran Fitzpatrick has been to see the damage
A shop owner in Oxfordshire has been left "devastated" after his store was ram-raided and the cash machine was stolen.
The SPAR in Minster Lovell was targeted in the early hours of this morning (Friday 27 December) by people who reportedly smashed their way into the property.
Ian Lewis took over the family business near Witney and said his parents were sleeping upstairs when the break-in happened.
He said: “The voicemail that I got from my dad this morning I don’t think I’ll ever forget the fear and the absolute distraughtness of my mum in the background.
"It’s something that will live with me forever.”
It's the second time the shop has been targeted in three months. In September, a group of masked men broke into the store using a crowbar and electrical saw.
In a statement, the Lewis family said they are "devastated" by the break-in.
They added: "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."
Thames Valley Police said an investigation is underway.
Anyone with information is being asked to call 101 or make an online report through the Thames Valley Police website, quoting the number 43240624117.
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