THIEVES fled with alcohol after smashing their way into a Weymouth shop in the early hours.

The duo broke through a window at Broadwey Village Stores in Dorchester Road.

Shopkeepers Peter and Janet Blakey were woken by the sound of breaking glass.

The raiders escaped with bottles of alcohol after the alarm sounded.

Mr Blakey said: “We were awoken at about 2am by the sound of breaking glass.

“Shortly afterwards the alarm went off and that activated a police response.

“The police came down and found that the bottom part of our door had been broken.”

He added: “It was worrying to hear because we were upstairs.

“The police say the worse thing you can do is confront them.

“They might have a knife and turn violent.

“I had to keep my wife safe and my business safe.”

The thieves, thought to be two men in their 20s, took bottles of alcopops, vodka and Barcadi before fleeing when the alarm sounded early on Monday morning.

They were caught on CCTV at the shop, which has been taken by police. Mr Blakey said: “They used a hammer or something and were swinging it to break in.

“I don’t think they realised that there was a fully-linked alarm to the police.”

He added: “They soon scarpered when the alarm went off.”

Mr and Mrs Blakey had to clear up the mess and wait for glaziers before opening as normal for the day. Mr Blakey said: “It is the first time anything like this has happened.

“We are very fortunate that we have very up-to-date security equipment.

“We don’t take security lightly.”

The couple renamed their venture Broadwey Village Stores after losing the post office from the business.

One of the thieves was described as tall and the other was of medium height.

They were in their 20s and wearing shorts.

Police confirmed that they were called at 2.22am.

Witnesses, and anyone with information is urged to call 01305 222222.