Police are probing a string of break-ins after “opportunist” thieves targeted small businesses.

Officers were called to The Sleep Store and More in Hythe Road in Ashford shortly before 8pm on Monday, February 5.

A burglar had smashed his way through the front door, perhaps in search of a cash box, but left empty handed.

Store owner Andy Clarke has been running the beds business for a year, and has had to replace his front door.

He said: “At first I understand he tried to crowbar the side doors and windows, but then literally smashed his way through the front door, and took it off its hinges.

“The thief went into the office to look for cash, luckily nothing has been taken. I got the impression it was an opportunist break-in. We had to put a sign up to say we are still open. A new door will be fitted next week.”

Images show the damage to the front door of the shop, with smashed glass strewn across the entrance and the door off its hinges.

Police have confirmed that it wasn’t the only business that has been targeted in the area, as nearby shoes and shoe repairs shop CG Earl and Son was also the victim of a break in, but again nothing was taken after the burglar had entered through a back window.

The shop is 100 yards further down Hythe Road, and it is believed that other businesses in the area were also targeted by the would-be thief, as the raid happened between Saturday, February 3 and Tuesday, February 6.

Meanwhile there have also been reported break-ins at town centre shops around the same period. A nail bar in the High Street was broken into between 7.15pm on Monday, February 5 and 8am the following morning. Cash from a till was reported stolen.

A second raid was reported at a hair salon in New Rents between Wednesday night and Thursday morning in the same week, and in a third burglary men’s barbers in Bank Street at the beginning of this week.

It is not clear if the burglaries are linked, but anyone with information is asked to call the incident line on 01843 222289.