A THIEF smashed through the roof of a village shop and broke open the cash machine inside, making off with its contents.

Owner Steve Nisbet, who posted on the Mabe Premier Stores and Post Office Facebook page to brand whoever was responsible a 'scumbag', said that the thief removed slate tiles before pushing through the ceiling and into the store.

Once in, the thief broke open the ATM and stole money.

It is not clear how much has been taken as yet.

Steve said that nothing else had been stolen, although the culprit left a mess behind.

He added: "It actually didn't stop us trading. We're still waiting on the final figures."

The incident happened overnight Wednesday, July 17, into Thursday.

Steve arrived to open up on Thursday to find the mess that had been left behind.

Police confirmed that officers were investigating what happened.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said this morning: "Police are investigating a burglary at Mabe Post Office/Stores.

"It happened between 10.15pm on Wednesday, July 17, and 5.45am yesterday (Thursday).

"Offenders entered the premises and caused substantial damage to a cash machine.

"The value of cash stolen not yet known."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101@dc.police.uk, or by phone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/064209/19.