By James Broadhurst

Last updated at 11:51, Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Raiders escaped with nothing for their trouble after to shops were the target in the early hours.

An attempted break-in was made at Pioneer Foods, on Church Road, Harrington, Workington at about 4.30am.

Malcolm Huddart, manager of the shop, said a man had tried to get through the metal shutters at the back of the store and then tried to chisel his way through the glass near the front door.

He said his wife had heard a noise and shouted at the man from the window above the shop and he then ran away.

The man was described as having a stocky build and was wearing dark clothing and a hat.

He made off towards the T-junction of Eller Bank and Church Road.

Beckstone Pantry, also on Church Road, Harrington, was broken into but nothing was stolen.

A spokeswoman at the store said the offenders had made a mess but had not caused any damage.

She added that they don’t keep cash on the premises. The incident was reported to the police at 8.15am yesterday.

Mr Huddart said attempted break-ins had been made about five or six times in the last two years.

A police spokeswoman said there was no indication the incidents were linked. Anyone with information can call police on 101.

First published at 11:39, Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk