Stoke Shop Hit Again Recent Raid Mirrors Prior Incident Devastating Loss

A store in Stoke-on-Trent got robbed again. It happened just a month after the first burglary. The thieves took alcohol, cigarettes, and vapes. They also stole chocolate from the store.

The manager, Ashfaq Ali, was very upset. He found the back door forced open once more. This time, the crooks stole about £20,000 worth of items. The store is named Stoke Mart. Stoke Mart opened on December 6, 2024.

The back door was broken open during both robberies. This second loss was much bigger. The thieves stole about three times more items. They have not recovered from the first robbery. The manager is very upset about everything.

It might take three years to recover the costs. They lost their initial stock investment. The manager talks with the landlord currently. They are discussing future plans for the store now. They will meet to discuss the issue. The future of the store is unclear right now.

This raid caused financial and emotional loss. The manager feels it seriously impacts his peace. He states the repeated attacks bother him. Ashfaq has never seen anything like this happen. He thinks the same people likely returned. He feels they might come back to the store.

He feels this might never stop happening. Ashfaq asked for an update on the first burglary. Police said they have no evidence yet. He feels they lack protection.

Ashfaq feels emotionally upset by this. It feels like a personal loss for him. He feels mental pressure from it all. He cannot sleep anymore. The first robbery happened back in January of this year.

Staffordshire Police ask for witnesses to come forward. They got two reports of break-ins recently. The incidents happened on Shelton New Road. The first call involved a January 7 report around 10 AM. A till, alcohol, and also tobacco had been stolen. It occurred between January 6 and the next morning. About £2,000 was taken.

Investigators went to the scene. The police are checking locally now. They got a call on February 4 at 9:15 AM. This theft happened overnight. Alcohol and cigarettes were stolen again. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage. Call 101 and mention incident 108 of February 4. Anonymously report to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.