Shop staff have been left "shaken" after they turned up to work to discover the front door had been shattered by thieves. 

On Monday, April 1, at approximately 0:45am, thieves broke down the door of the Co-Op shop on Arthur Road in Windsor.

Luckily, a very small amount of stock was taken, with a staff member explaining a "smoke cloak" is activated alongside the alarm when a break-in is detected.

"It hasn't happened in a long time," one staff member said.

Adding there was "more damage than anything else" and they were lucky that nobody was there. 

A local resident was shocked at what happened and described the shop as being "surrounded by police".

The break-in meant that the Co-Op did not open until 7pm that evening.

A spokesperson for the Southern Co-Op branch confirmed the break-in.

They added: "As the incident is under police investigation, we’re unable to comment any further.

"The Arthur Road break-in happened out of hours and thankfully didn’t directly involve any of our colleagues.

"We have taken a number of security measures to protect our colleagues and stores as much as possible, but incidents such as assaults, violence and break-ins are on the rise and experienced by many retailers, not just ourselves.   

"We're working both individually and collaboratively to try and prevent these issues where we can."

Thames Valley Police are investigating the incident and have made an arrest. 

A spokesperson said: “At around 12.50am, two men dressed in black broke into the store and stole a quantity of cigarettes before leaving in a large black car.

“The burglary is believed to be linked to a burglary around two hours later at Sainsbury’s in West Street, Marlow, but we are keeping an open mind.

"Just before 3am, staff called police as they heard glass being smashed inside the store.

“The offenders stole a quantity of high-value whiskey and cognac, and tried to get into the cigarettes cabinet but failed, before fleeing in a black Citroen Grand C4."

A 36-year-old man from Windsor was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary on Wednesday, April 3. He has been released on conditional police bail until June 26.

A spokesperson added: “Anyone with information about either burglary should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240148410.

“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”