A VILLAGE shop has been targeted by criminals for the third time since June.

The Village shop, in Bishampton was unable to open yesterday after damage was caused to the premises on Monday night.

The shop owner posted on social media: “We are waiting to see if forensics need to come back.

"I have a meeting with the police today to try and get to the bottom of this and discuss things going forward.”

“Sorry for the inconvenience everyone.”

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Police said they were investigating the latest damage to the shop.

In August, Bishampton Parish Council paid for the shop to be fitted with security shutters, CCTV cameras and security lighting after it was broken into twice.

On one occasion the shop staff said they had suffered a “huge financial loss” after a burglary.

A letter from the parish council said: “We trust that the community will agree our view of the importance of the shop to the villages and recognise and support our on-going efforts to ensure its continued operation.”

Minutes from a parish council meeting said: “The shop and post office are an important community amenity and the parish council should make, within its powers, every reasonable effort to ensure its continuation.”

Between 8pm on January 5 and 6.30am on January 6 someone broke into a shop nearby in Flyford Flavell and stole some cigarettes.

Police have not confirmed that the incidents are linked.

Anyone with information on this crime should call 101 and quote the reference number: 0092S060120.