A village Co-op with a history of ram-raids has been targeted again, with two vehicles used in an attempt to smash their way into the Rowledge store.

Police were called to the shop at The Square shortly before 3.25am this morning (Tuesday, October 6), following reports of an attempted burglary.

The shop front was badly damaged and part of a side wall collapsed, although nobody was hurt.

The destroyed Co-operative shop in Rowledge
The destroyed Co-operative shop in Rowledge (Marcus McQuilton)

The Rowledge Co-op had already been targeted three times in just over two years by 2018, according to previous reports.

Officers cordoned off Recreation Road and were speaking to residents as they investigated the latest incident.

Rowledge resident Mark Westcott said: “I popped down to pick up some milk this morning for breakfast and was shocked at what I saw.

“I think it’s about the third time it’s happened. It needs to be emphasised that the idiots who carried out what is really essentially a thoughtless smash-and-grab raid have no idea of the impact it has on the community, the staff and a general feeling of confidence and safety.

The damage to the side of the Co-op shop in Recreation Road, Rowledge.
The damage to the side of the Co-op shop in Recreation Road, Rowledge. (Iliffe Media)

“It’s effectively almost torn the heart out. I can’t imagine that they’ll be able to put it back together again in a matter of weeks; it’s going to take some time.”

One resident who lives opposite the shop said: “A woman across the road made the call to the police around 3am this morning.

“We did not hear anything, but when I came to get milk from the shop, we saw the damage.

“It is terrible what has happened, and it has been done five or six times over the last few years.”

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to the Co-op in Rowledge shortly before 3.25am this morning (Tuesday, October 6) following a report of an attempted burglary at the location.

“It is reported that two vehicles were used in an attempt to ram open the doors/windows of the building. These vehicles, believed to be two black SUVs, fled the scene after failing to gain entry to the store.

“Enquiries are underway to identify those responsible.”

The spokesperson asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the force, quoting CAD 0072 06 OCT 26.