ELECTRICAL retailers were left counting the cost after crooks cleaned up during a smash-and-grab raid on their family business.

Thieves used a 50lb concrete mould to break through reinforced glass at QDA electrical discount store in South Coast Road, Peacehaven, in the early hours. They ignored a security alarm which went off and stole three top-of-the-range yellow and grey Dyson upright vacuum cleaners, together worth £630. The 15ft by 8ft window panel will cost more than £1,000 to replace. Owner Jon Grimble, 55, said the crooks knew what they were doing because they bagged "the Rolls Royce of vacuum cleaners". He added: "They broke that particular window, straight in front of where the Dysons were. "They must have known something about cleaners because they are Britain's most popular model." His son David, 27, spent half the night cleaning up after the break-in. The alarm keyholders woke him at 1am. When he arrived at the store police were already there. Apolice spokesman said: "It's early days and inquiries are continuing. "Anyone who saw or heard anything or thinks they might have any information should contact Peacehaven police in confidence."

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