An Ipswich convenience store owner today spoke of his disappointment after thieves broke into his shop and stole more than £7,000 of cigarettes, cash and alcohol.

Officials at V Mart, in Upper Orwell Street, say they will be stepping up security after the raid in the early hours of Monday, as it is the second burglary incident in just three months.

The offenders broke through the back door of the property at about 2.20am on Monday and the stolen cigarettes, which had a value of about £6,000, about £1,000 of alcohol, a laptop.

It is understood they also broke the till and stole cash.

Rajeev Ravindran, owner of the store, said: “I am very disappointed that it has happened. This is a new business, we just started seven months ago.

“It was a very horrible situation.”

Mr Ravindran said he is now planning to install a metal grille shutter at the rear of the property and will be putting a burglar alarm in place in a bid to deter thieves.

He added: “I did not expect it in (burglary) a place like this.”

Police are investigating the incident and are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone who has information, to come forward.

The offenders have been described as being of average build and they were dressed in all-dark coloured clothing.

If you can help police with their investigation, please contact Pc Barrie Colquhoun from Ipswich on 101, quoting crime reference IC/14/2995. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.