‘RAM RAID IS ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING’
Van was smashed into front of village shop Ruby
A SHOPKEEPER has spoken of his devastation after ram-raiders smashed their way into his store.
The ram-raiders escaped with cash after using a white Sprinter van to smash the front of Caverswall Village Shop and Post Office on School Lane.
Now 35-year-old Pratheesh Shanmuganathan, who was named ‘Community Champion’ for his work helping the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic, says he is still ‘in shock’.
Pratheesh, from Weston Coyney, said: “I do not think they got away with too much. But I am very concerned about the damage to the premises. I am worried about the extent of the damage. I could have to stay closed for some time. I am worried the customers will start going elsewhere.
“I work 12 hour shifts six days a week as my shop is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. It is absolutely devastating. I am still in shock but I believe everyone will pull together to help me get back on my feet.”
Now councillors and residents have rallied round Pratheesh.
Chairman of Caverswall Parish Council Councillor Paul Roberts says the shop is the ‘nerve centre of the village’.
The 66-year-old said: “The family living next door to the shop heard the noise at 5.15am and thought it was a delivery which was very noisy. A man who lives next door but one heard it and came out and the van drove off.
“They have taken a bit but not a lot. It was just money they got away with.
“Luckily the girl who lives in the flat upstairs was not in as she was working nights.
“It is a shame. The shop is the nerve centre of the village.
“I suspect it is going to be shut for at least a couple of weeks.”
County Councillor Ross Ward, who lives in Caverswall, said: “Pratheesh has been absolutely incredible during the pandemic.
“He is the absolute heart of the community and has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
“The community is just devastated and we want to do what we can to help him get back on his feet. He is just awesome.
“He knocks on my mother’s door every other day to make sure she is alright and has everything she needs. He is a genuine guy. It is just heartbreaking to see this.
“There is already a Gofundme page set up with the community raising money to help him. I am sure the community will rally round to help him get back on his feet as soon as possible.”
And Andy Mayer, aged 63, of Caverswall, said: “Anything you want Pratheesh will get. He remembers everything.
“It is terrible. I feel really shattered for him and I feel so sorry for him. We would have been lost without him during the pandemic.”