Grille stops burglars snatching booze

Police were today singing the praises of a solid security grille which kept burglars at bay after a suspected smash-and-grab raid on a Clive liquor store overnight.
Hastings police section supervisor, Kevin Stewart, said it appeared someone had driven into the front of Brown Paper Bag Bottle Store, in Clive, with the intention to steal alcohol supplies.
Hastings police received a call from a nearby bakery about 5am this morning after a passersby noticed the smashed windows, and badly bent aluminium security bars.
Owners Marlene and Craig Welsh were tucked up in bed when they received the call from police, and although disappointed about the damage, they were optimistic.
"What can you do, you just get on with it and get it cleaned up,' Mrs Welsh said.
Mr Stewart said the security grilles prevented a burglary.
"I take my hat off to the security grilles ... they saved the shop" he said.
Mrs Welsh believed there was about $10,000 worth of damage.
"Police thought it would be about 10 grand with all the aluminium and glass ... and one bottle of smashed strawberry liquor," Mrs Welsh said. She hoped to have the front windows fixed and the store open today.