RAIDERS made off with stock worth £155 after smashing their way into the Galgate News newsagents in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police were alerted by a nearby resident at about 1am. It is believed two people were involved in the break-in.
They smashed their way through a glass panel in the door and took 15 packets of cigarettes along with packets of Jelly Babies and Eclairs.
Staff arriving for work shortly before 5am were told they could not enter the shop, so alternative arrangements were hastily put in place for the Sunday morning paper deliveries, which went out unaffected.
The shop was open for business as usual on Monday morning.
Galgate News is part of the Teesdale Mercury. Director Carolyn Vane thanked staff for their efforts.
“They still managed to get the papers out and did a great job under the circumstances,” she said.
Anyone with information should contact the police on 101.
