A DEFIANT couple said they won’t be driven from their home after thieves used a wheelbarrow to steal a safe containing thousands of pounds from their Northwich pub.

Burglars smashed a window and made off with what police said was a four-figure sum from the Slow and Easy in Manchester Road, Lostock Gralam, at 9.30pm on Sunday, December 15.

Landlady Jenny Gale said: ““We’re open as normal. We’re not going to let it beat us. They’re not going to drive us out of our home.

“It’s the second time it’s happened to us. The first was at a pub in Widnes three years ago.

“It’s business as usual. You’ve got to be strong and not let it beat you.”

The safe was stolen from the ground floor office at the rear of the large two storey building.

Burglars gained entry while staff were still inside.

The pub was quiet when the theft occurred, and the couple noticed the safe was missing after deciding to close early.

“Whoever has done it knew which window to go in,” said Jenny.

“It happened while the pub was open for trade. We were working in the bar with music on.

“We didn’t hear anything at the time.”

“It’s a big place, and quite open around the back.”

“The police brought sniffer dogs. They followed the scent up until the road and lost it where they must have loaded it into a vehicle.”

The safe contained the takings, change, subs for the pool team and the play your cards right cash prize.

A spokesman for Northwich neighbourhood policing team said: “A wheelbarrow was found nearby, which we believe had been used to transport the safe to a vehicle.

“Due to the weight of the safe, we believe more than one person was involved.”

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