THESE ARE GOOD TIMES to be a glazier in Monmouth. In the last three weeks, no fewer than nine shops in the centre of town have been burgled or have had doors and windows smashed, with the total damage running to thousands of pounds.

According to an investigation by the Monmouthshire Beacon, four of the incidents took place on the same weekend.

Curiously, three of the shops targeted specialise in confectionery – and items stolen from two of the three included Easter eggs and boxes of chocolates.