Car ploughs into Tesco Express during burglary
STORE IS LIKELY TO BE CLOSED FOR WEEKS DUE TO DAMAGE
THE area around a west London Tesco has been left reeking of alcohol after a car ploughed through it during a burglary, destroying much of the inside of the store.
Pictures taken of the aftermath show the scale of the damage with debris left strewn across the pavement.
The crash happened shortly before 3am on Monday at the Tesco on the junction of Bear Road and Swan Road, in Hanworth.
The level of destruction to the shop means it is likely to be shut for weeks, a Tesco spokesman said.
An angry local resident Justine said: “It’s horrible. The whole place stinks of booze because they must have smashed the drinks cabinet.
People living nearby were imagining the “worst things possible” when they heard the crash
One said: “There’s always something going on round here. I’m surprised at what’s happened, but it was only a matter of time before thugs destroyed the local area again.”
So far no arrests have been made, but a vehicle was recovered from the scene.
The noise of the crash woke up many residents in the area.
Michale Patrice, 31, who was staying with his girlfriend at the time, said: “The whole block woke up. People were in the corridors asking each other what happened.
“The children looked scared and I could hear one child crying, but I don’t now how old they were.
“So many thoughts ran through our mind. Are we being robbed or is the building on fire? I was imagining the worst things possible, it was so loud and scary.
“I hope they catch who it was because it scared a lot of people and is unfair on all the people that live round here.”
Another neighbour, a man in his early 60s said: “The Tesco is joined to the tower block so it’s like someone driving straight through the first floor of your house.
“Beggars belief what the hell they were thinking.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our Hanworth Express store is closed following a robbery last night which has caused significant damage.
“We’re working to begin repairs so that the store can re-open, but it will likely remain closed for a number of weeks.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes for our customers.”
A spokesperson for the Met Police
said: “Police were called on 2.52am to reports of a burglary at a commercial property on Bear Rd, Hanworth.
“Officers attended and found that the suspect(s) had gained entry by using a vehicle. A vehicle has been recovered from the scene.
“A crime scene is in place. There have been no arrests at this stage. Enquiries continue.”
Police are also calling on anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 650/06Dec.
To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers_uk.org.