A model shop owner today blasted police for responding too late to save his store from raiders.

Paul Heath has only had Heath RC Models open for two weeks but already thieves have targeted the shop, breaking in and making off with two monster trucks.

The petrol-powered remote-control vehicles, one-and-a-half feet long and a foot wide, are each worth £435.

Furious Mr Heath, who used to run a software company, said: "My neighbour heard someone kicking the door of the shop on Sunday night and he contacted the police.

"But the police simply asked him if the alarm had gone off and when my neighbour said 'no' they told him to wait until the shop alarm went off.

"They did come once the alarm went off but I am very annoyed they did not come out immediately."

Sgt Paul Saunders said: "We understand there has been a problem with this response and this will be looked into."

Published Tuesday January 13, 2004

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