An ironmonger came in to work to find his shop had been burgled less than eight months after setting up in Ashford.

Sam Mills turned up to his store yesterday to find a window had been broken, and his shop was in a mess.

He said: "My dog, Bertie, had his hackles up and was growling and barking almost as soon as we got to the door.

"The unit behind mine was also broken into, and piecing it together we think that they might have thought it was the back of my shop.

"They didn't take a huge amount from there, only a bar which they used to break into my unit.

"When they got into mine, they broke the till and took all of the cash out, it was about £200.

"With the lost cash, and having to replace the till, windows, and getting more security in the shop, I'm probably look at the region of £500 for everything.

"I think almost the worst thing was they ripped open this temporary charity box I've got and took the money out of that.

"They also took some of the sweets that were for sale to raise money, and left the ones that they didn't want.

"They were picky thieves. I suppose that you have to laugh, it just seems so ridiculous."

However, Mr Mills says he is trying to look on the bright side of the experience, and says that the community effort to help him out has aided massively.

He said: "I always have breakfast with the guys from the gym next door. When I went round there after finding out the robbery, I told them the whole thing.

"I saw Jack (from the gym) running around this morning, and then he's just come in with a piece of paper.

"The guys here have all donated to a fundraiser to help me out, and they've got £200 together within 48 hours after the robbery.

"I felt quiet emotional when Jack came round with the list of everyone who had donated, it was a total surprise and it means so much.

"It's lovely to see smaller businesses clubbing together and helping each other out, it shows what a strong community we have here."

"The burglary was an awful thing to happen and you wonder if enough is being done to protect us as business owners, but something like the fundraiser really helps put a positive spin on things."

A police spokeswoman said: "We are making inquiries following a report of a burglary at commercial premises in Ellingham Way, Ashford.

"It is reported the burglary took place between 5pm on Friday and 9am the following morning.

"A quantity of cash including money from a charity tin was stolen from the premises."

Anyone with information is urged to call 01843 222289, quoting 23-0412.

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