BURGLERS who broken into the Norway Inn at Perranarworthal left with nothing after they were disturbed by the pub's staff.

During a busy Sunday afternoon at the award winning pub, which is run by Charlie and Carole Edgeler, the alarm was raised by a member of staff who heard movement in the flat above the pub.

Charlie Edgeler, manager of the pub, said: "It was around 2.50pm and the pub was full and all the staff were working hard downstairs. It was the managers flat above the pub which they broke into. We have a brilliant alarm system in the creaking floorboards.

"One of the staff hear some movement upstairs and when we realised that everyone who should be there was downstairs we went to investigate.

"When we got to the top of the stairs we could not get into the flat because whoever had broken in had flipped the catch on the door. They made their getaway through a window which they had got in through but fortunately nothing was taken and no one was hurt."

Mr Edgeler added that the staff and customers reacted brilliantly to the incident and he praised the police for their quick and professional response.

He added: "We will be stepping up security in light of what has happened."

Police have said that they believe the attempted burglary is part of a series of offences across Devon and Cornwall.

Similar offences have been committed in Chudleigh, Bodmin, Bideford, Exmouth, Cullompton, Braunton, Sidmouth, St Austell, Ivybridge and Okehampton.

The offences have been committed since 13 January 2007 and habitually involve the offenders using an insecure door to gain entry, although on a couple of occasions a door or window has been forced.

Once inside, and whilst the licencee is in the public areas of the pub the offenders then search cupboards and draws stealing money and other valuables.

PC Sharon Newman of Devon and Cornwall police said: "Landlords are being reminded to take common sense precautions to make their home less attractive to burglars, such as making their homes appear occupied during opening hours by leaving lights or a radio on. Ensure that doors leading to the private flats are marked 'Private' and that they are locked when empty.

"Report any suspicious behaviour to the police sooner rather than later and beware that public houses have proved to provide good returns for burglars."

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is asked to contact the police on 08452 777444 quoting log number 721/25