VIDEO: Shocking footage shows burglars breaking into local community shop in Penwood

Here is the shocking footage as heartless thieves break into a village store in North Hampshire.

Burglars ram-raided Woodlands Stores in Penwood in the early hours of May 2, making off with £2,500 and bags full of merchandise.

The CCTV footage shows how the criminals reversed a truck into the store, breaking through the glass front door, before three people entered the store while one kept watch outside.

They tried to make off with the safe behind the till, but fled when neighbours started shouting.

Owner Sandra Lawson, who took over the community shop in June 2018, told the Newbury Weekly News after the event that the break-in was "heart-wrenching".

The community has since rallied around the store, with £340 raised through a GoFundMe page.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 12.35am on Monday, May 2, to reports of a burglary at the Woodlands Store in Penwood.

"A group of men wearing balaclavas gained access to the store and items, including alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, were removed from shelves.

"Officers have launched an investigation and are carrying out enquiries.

"Were you in the area in the time? Did you witness the incident?

"Do you have CCTV images, Ring doorbell or dash-cam footage that could help our investigation?

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44220171203.

"Alternatively, go online and submit information via this link https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

“If so, please contact police or Crimestoppers quoting reference 44220171203.”