SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A trio of thieves left a lot of damage behind after they allegedly used a van to break into a Saginaw Township business.

The robbery happened early Tuesday morning at Sheldon’s Party Store on Vincent. Police said the suspects backed the van into the front door and stole cigarettes and beer before taking off.

The store’s owner, Joel Sheldon, said nearby neighbors actually saw the break-in happen, and alerted Sheldon to the situation.

“They all came over to my house, and [said] some minivan backed through the door,” said Sheldon, whose family has owned the party store since his grandfather opened it in 1910.

“Three fellows went in and cleaned out what they could in the few seconds they were here and took off.”

Sheldon used plywood and boards to secure the store after the thieves struck.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do today as far as ordering a new door,” he said. “This business is a hundred years old, and that door is the same age . . . I have no idea what to even do with it.”

Sheldon said the store would still be open for business and that he is confident whoever did the deed would be caught.

Estimates to fix the entrance to the store are about $4,000.