Balaclava-clad burglars have snatched £25,000 of valuables from a Sidmouth shop in its second smash and grab in just three weeks.

Three thieves broke into the boarded-up Govier’s of Sidmouth last Wednesday (May 21), claiming their haul before making off in a saloon-type getaway vehicle, a police spokesman said.

They took £25,100 worth of shaped ornaments, some unique, from the High Street shop at around 12.30am.

Govier’s was targeted in the early hours on May 1 for six Royal Worcester bowls and vases, also valued at £25,000.

The store had a temporary door but was still open for business.

Investigating officer DC Vicky Grimwood said the two incidents are being treated as linked. She is appealing for the driver of a car which is believed to have passed the latest incident to come forward with information on the raid.

Shop owner Alan Morgenroth was not available for comment before the Herald went to press yesterday.

Anyone with information, or who saw anyone in the area acting suspiciously between 11pm and 1am, is asked to call police non-emergency 101, quote crime reference CR/074638/14 and ask for DC Grimwood.

The crime reference for the May 1 incident is KS/14/221.