Several electric bikes worth £13,000 have been reported stolen during a break-in at a town centre shop.

Cycle Fixit in Hythe High Street was targeted overnight and the thefts were discovered when staff arrived to open up this morning.

It is thought the vandals broke in through the store's back door, which has been left severely damaged and will need extensive repairs or replacing.

At least five bikes were stolen during the daring raid, reaching a grand total of £13,000.

It has not yet been established whether any further items were also taken.

The shop’s CCTV system was also damaged during the raid, leaving Adam Parsons, the owner's son, to salvage any footage from the cameras and piece together evidence himself.

Police officers were called to the shop - which has been in Hythe for the past 17 years - this morning after the incident was reported.

Mr Parsons, who discovered the damage, told KentOnline: “It was completely unexpected. It’s the first time this has ever happened.

“I thought the Hythe, Sandgate, Seabrook area was supposed to be a quiet quaint area.”

Mr Parsons is still waiting to hear how much the door repairs will cost.

Police are currently appealing for information.

A spokesperson said: “We were contacted on the morning of Wednesday, September 18, and it was reported that a business in Hythe High Street had been broken into, and a number of bicycles had been stolen.

“Initial inquiries to establish the circumstances are underway and anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 18-0186.”