BURGLARS stole hundreds of pounds from a Tesco store in a smash and grab raid which took less than a minute.


The three criminals hit the Tesco in Chesterton Lane, Cirencester during the dead of night – striking at about 3.20am on Monday.


They smashed the windows of the front doors, leaned over the till and stole cash thought to be worth upwards of several hundred pounds.


Following the raid, the store was closed until 3pm on Monday while repair work was carried out.


People who live near the shop have raised concerns over so much cash being left in the store overnight.


One resident said he feared that the apparent ease with which the burglars carried out the raid would “encourage more thieves to the area”.


While another resident, Philippa Smith, said: “Surely tills should be cashed up and money put in a safe before closing anyway?


“Not that it excuses the behaviour of these low-lives, but in this day and age you’d have thought an establishment like Tesco would take appropriate steps against this sort of crime.”


Tesco refused to comment on why hundreds of pounds were left in the store overnight or how the burglars were able to break in so swiftly.


A spokesman would only say: “The store re-opened [Monday]. We’re sorry for any inconvenience to our customers.”


A police spokesman said officers were reviewing CCTV footage from the scene of the crime.
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 44 of May 18.