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Thursday, December 04, 2008, 00:00
The Chequers Inn landlords Mark and Heather Smith received a call from daughter Sheena (28), who lives at the pub, early Tuesday morning (December 2) to say someone had broken in and was raiding around.
"Sheena was upstairs and heard the commotion," said Heather.
"It was about 3.45am -they had broken into the restaurant through the patio door, tampered with the tills and cigarette machine, stolen money for the staff Christmas party and broken the door down into the private accommodation upstairs.
"Sheena had just got in from a late shift at work.
"When she heard them coming upstairs she ran into another room and bolted the door - she was petrified when she called us.
"Mark and I rang the police. We live in Ranby and we rushed straight to the pub and police got there straight away."
The gang - of four men in their earlier twenties, said Heather - stole a handbag and jewellery belonging to Sheena and £40 from the pub.
"The thieves ran off and police pursued them - one of them jumped into the canal and swam across. Police managed to catch three of the men and the fourth got away," said Heather.
"Some of the jewellery was recovered.
"They had split the money into envelopes, separating the notes and the coins.
"We've only been at the pub 18 days and it's such a shock. We're getting the locks changed today (Tuesday), costing £200, and a new alarm system fitted which will be continuously monitored.
"We want to let other landlords know what has happened and warn them to be vigilant."
A Notts Police spokesman said: "Nottinghamshire Police attended the burglary just before 4am on Tuesday (December 2).
"Three men were arrested at the scene and a fourth man remains outstanding.
"Witnesses are asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 01909 500999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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