An online appeal has been launched after a safe, said be be more than 100-years-old, was stolen from a Dover estate agents.

John Youden & Son, in London Road, had its back door smashed by opportunists on Friday at around 6pm.

The green and black safe contained “valuable” items and is said to be large and extremely heavy. It is also believed that it was hoisted over a 6ft wall.

Partner Darren Glanville said: “I have no idea how they got it out of the office.

“I can just about slide it with all my weight behind it.”

Three laptops were taken, two were Packard Bell and one is Dell branded. The computers did not contain any personal information relating to the company’s customers.

The office was found in a mess on Monday morning and staff were sent home for the day while repairs were made and the police dusted the area for fingerprints.

Mr Glanville added: “I got into work to find the office completely ransacked. Someone out there must know who these people are.

“Everyone was really shocked. It is just before Christmas and people think they can break in and take stuff.”

Mr Glanville posted an appeal to Facebook which has been shared more than 200 times.

He added: "I am absolutely made up with all the people that have shared this appeal.

“Everyone runs Dover down but it is so nice to get some positive feedback from everyone - it shows the spirit of Dover."

A Kent Police spokesman said: “We were called at 9am on December 15, by a man reporting a burglary which had taken place over the weekend.

“Officers are making inquiries in the area and will be following up on any potential forensic opportunities. The investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information is advised to call the police on 101.