In the early hours of Thursday, 21^st January, a valuable antique violin, a viola and a beautiful oak violin case were amongst the items stolen during a burglary at Robert Grumitt's Repairers and Restorers in the High Street, Caterham-on-the-Hill. The three items, worth over £3,000 formed the shop's window display but other valuable violins from inside the shop were also taken by the thieves.

Mr Grummitt commented: “The thieves specifically targetted the valuable violins, because they had price tickets tucked inside them. The window glass is very thick so they went to great efforts to smash it. It is just weird, it doesn't add up – what they have stolen will be very difficult to sell for cash. These are not easily-disposable items that burglars normally go for.”

Robert, who has owned the shop for 32 years in April, said he was burgled once before, about 20 years ago, when thieves stole guitars but on that occasion the stolen goods were recovered the same day. Thursday's burglary has caused further concern for neighbouring businesses, coming so soon after the armed raid on the post office at the other end of the High Street earlier in the week.

Senior Scenes of Crime Officer, Jane Maisey said: “Despite the two incidents in the High Street this week, there has not been a sudden increase in crime in the area lately. Caterham is still a very safe place to live compared to other areas.”

The staff at Swift Windows next door to Robert's shop alerted the police at 7.00am when they arrived to open their shop. There is no description of the burglars, but anyone who was in the High Street before 7.00am on Thursday, 21^st January who may have seen anyone behaving in a suspicious manner in the High Street are urged to call call Surrey Police immediately on 0845 125 2222.