Bungling burglars fled after an elaborate effort to steal bottles of alcoholic drink went wrong in Westcliff.
The break-in took place at the One Stop convenience store in Hamlet Court Road, where a flat above the shop was targeted.
Once inside, the burglars removed floor boards and lowered themselves onto the suspended ceiling to remove roof panels.
They tried to reach bottles of alcohol in the shop, but the ceiling gave way, triggering an alarm. Nothing was stolen during the break-in but £50 of damage was caused.
Published Thursday, March 7, 2002
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