The Stotfold community plans to band together in support and gratitude for staff at the Co-op, which has been the target of burglaries twice in the last two months.

The most recent attack – in Stotfold’s Mulberry Close – was made at around 2.45am on Saturday. This followed a ram raid as a BMW driver targeted the cash machine at the start of February.

Many people have now taken to Facebook to express their thanks to the staff, who have gone above and beyond to keep the shop open through these crimes.

Janet Prance initially posted in the ‘We Live in Stotfold’ Facebook group on Saturday saying: “Can I suggest that the Co-op and its staff receive some sort of award from the town council on behalf of all of us.

“The shop is a vital part of our community and well used by lots of residents. They have been broken into twice just recently and each time they have tried to get open as soon as they can. They have staff standing outside freezing, helping the public to continue to shop.

“The council recognises individuals for their work in the community but after the winter they have had I feel we should give thanks where it’s due.”

To her surprise, the post now has more than 200 likes and more than 30 comments – with other residents suggesting ideas on how to reward the employees, including setting up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the workers to enjoy a night out.

A spokesman from the Co-op said has expressed thanks for the community’s support.

Stotfold mayor Alan Cooper said on behalf of the town council: “High praise indeed is due to the management and staff of Stotfold Co-op following two attacks on their store in barely a month.

“When the ATM was ripped from the entrance in early February, the staff were out in the early and very cold hours of the morning greeting customers with a smile while directing them through the side entrance.

“Now, raiders have entered and stolen quantities of cigarettes. Both times the staff at this vital local store – a great supporter of many activities in the town – have minimised disruption to their customers and truly lived up to the old saying that ‘the show must go on’. Our thanks go on behalf of the town to all involved.”

While enquiries are at an early stage, police believe that a group of men entered the store through the front entrance and stole a number of items before making off. Anyone with information should call PC Jack Hill on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.