A COUPLE have been left reeling after their shop was burgled for the fourth time in 12 months.
In the early ours of Saturday morning, men wielding rocks and claw hammers smashed through the window of Discount Corner in Barrow's Dalton Road.
Owners, Alan and Linda Pye spoke of their disbelief after criminals made off with more than £600 worth of goods.
Mr Pye said: "This is the fourth time. The police got in touch at around 4.15am this morning. The alarm for some reason hadn't gone off. Somebody had to report it to the police."
Mr Pye said a number of offenders broke into the shop sometime around 1.30am on Saturday morning. They first attempted to gain entry by throwing rocks, but after this failed, they returned with claw hammers and smashed open the shop's window.
In CCTV footage which has been handed over to the police, masked individuals are seen reaching through a hole in the window, and pocketing items such as e-cigarettes, smart watches and BB guns.
Mr Pye said: "Other shops seem to sell the same stuff we do, but they don't get targeted."
Both owners were exasperated as break-ins continue to blight their business - the latest coming as a bitter blow so close to Christmas.
The couple are still awaiting a payout from insurers following a break-in just over a month ago.
Mrs Pye said: "We haven't had a payout from the last burglary.
Cumbria police have been in contact with the Pyes this morning, however they remain frustrated by the lack of action following previous break-ins.
Mr Pye said: "The police have never followed up from the last time.
"We're sick and tired about this. But we can't go out and sort it out ourselves."
After the previous break in in October, the couple felt they had to sleep in the shop to stave on any other burglars.
On Sunday morning police gave an update that three people from Barrow had been arrested in connection with the burglary.
One man aged 41, and two boys aged 16 and 14 are in police custody and are being questioned.
If anyone has any information regarding this crime, they should contact the police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Related content:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here