Costcutter shop on Ramshill Road, Scarborough, burgled twice in less than a week

The latest incident took place around 2.40am on Saturday January 18 when a suspect smashed the glass front door and made off with cigarettes.

Prior to that, the shop had been broken into in the early hours of January 12 when a suspect also entered the premises by smashing the front door.

Owner Shafaullah Niazi, 39, who'd just repaired the entrance to the shop, said this second incident left him "in a difficult situation" and is asking the community to be supportive.

"I'm so stressed, it looks like they've started targeting my business," he said.

"I know that the police are trying their best, it gives me some hope."

Officers who are investigating both burglaries say the latest incident was "an almost identical repeat" of the first one.

A spokesperson from North Yorkshire Police said: "Extensive police enquiries are ongoing and officers are keeping an open mind to possibility that the two cases may be linked."

Witnesses or anyone with information that could assist the investigation are asked to call 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room quoting reference number 12200009758.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.