Raiders who broke into a branch of Maidenhead Aquatics in Berkshire were so angry when they were unable to find any cash that they took a sledgehammer to some of the tanks.
The burglars broke into Maidenhead Aquatics @ Bracknell at the Wyevale Garden Centre in Binfield at around 11.20pm on Sunday evening – the second raid at the business in the last year.
One of the tanks smashed in the raid contained clownfish, but luckily all but one was saved by staff who had heard about the break-in quickly enough to get to the store in time.
Business partner Stuart Ashley said: "Since the first break-in we’ve removed the safe from the site and don’t keep any cash here at night.
"They smashed their way in, hunted around and have not been able to find it. They’ve obviously got frustrated and decided to take it out on our tanks and our fish."
Two small electrical items were taken by the thieves, but it's the damage that will cause the biggest problem, with Mr. Ashley estimating that the bill could run into thousands. He said that the security will obviously have to be improved too.
Police are appealing for anyone who saw a group of three to four people acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident, to contact Detective Constable Donna Pearce via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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