A café owner whose family business was burgled for the third time says he now has a "sickening feeling" every morning, fearing what he might find.

Fouad Hassini has run the popular Saffron Cafe in Castle Street, Canterbury, for 20 years.

In the early hours of Friday, the 54-year-old was woken by a call from police, who told him a thief had smashed into the cafe and made off with the till.

"I was so shocked I couldn't even talk," he said. "I got there at about 5.30am. The police were fantastic - going around looking and being very supportive. Forensics came too.

"But when this happens, it's the violation you feel. You feel like something has been taken away from you.

"I think the burglar tried throwing a brick at the window, then tried to open the sash window but it was locked.

"Then they came round and broke the glass door. It was completely smashed."

The thief made of with a till containing a float of about £180 in cash.

"I consider myself lucky that's all they took and that they didn't do more harm," added Mr Hassini. "They got in through the front where they could be seen, so they had to be quick. But we had to stay closed all morning while the glass was cleared up."

Mr Hassini says his business has been targeted on two previous occasions, when more damage was done to the premises.

"It stays with you - the sickening feeling you have every morning when you come in wondering what you might find," he said. "It's horrible."

The community has rallied around to support Mr Hassini's family in the wake of the burglary.

"People have come in with flowers," he said. "I really feel humbled to see my customers coming in, asking if they can do anything.

"That's how you know you're in a real community, surrounded by good people."

Police are carrying out enquiries into the burglary, and are reviewing local CCTV.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/19064/20.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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