Business owner Jim O’Toole said yesterday he was shocked at the break-in that had left him feeling “unnerved”.

About 1.30am yesterday the two men forced the lock off the back gate at NewsXpress Rutherglen in Main Street before using a sledge hammer and a large crowbar to smash the back door in.

After entering the shop they made their way to the front counter but quickly fled after activating an alarm.

Rutherglen police Leading Senior Constable Steve Ireland said the two men, who were wearing hoodies, got away in a silver car.

It did not appear they had stolen anything.

NewsXpress owner Jim O’Toole said it was the first time the business had been targeted.

“I got a call from the security company about 3am telling me we had been broken into,” he said.

“I thought the worst — how much damage have they done and what have they taken?”

“It’s getting a bit close to home.

“We aren’t the first to get broken into in the town — there’s been a spate of robberies and break-ins over the last few years.

“I guess I’m a bit surprised it has taken this long because there’s a lot of scum bags in the area now.

“Gone are the days when you could sleep peacefully and not worry about it.

“It’s a pretty ordinary feeling.”

“It won’t affect the day-to-day running of the business, I don’t believe we have lost any stock but you box on because that’s all you can do,” he said.

“It just leaves you pretty unnerved that somebody has the desperation to do this sort of thing.”

Mr O’Toole suspected the men were looking for cigarettes.

The break and enter is being investigated and anyone with information should contact Rutherglen police on (02) 6032 9612 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.