A takeaway boss is cursing his bad luck after his restaurant was broken into twice in the space of a fortnight.

Nurul Haque, 43, has owned Indian Ocean in Northumberland Court, Maidstone for almost a decade and a half and has never previously suffered any criminal activity.

But thieves targeted the property in the early hours of Sunday, June 9 by trying to break the lock.

When they failed, they instead smashed through a panel at the bottom of the door before making off with £1,200 in cash.

Less than two weeks later, between last Friday night and Saturday morning, the restaurant was again broken into the same way, before the raiders trashed the kitchen.

Dad-of-three Mr Haque said: "It's strange because I've been running this place for 14 years and we've never had a burglary but suddenly we've had two in two weeks.

"We're only a small business and luckily it hasn't had too much of an impact on the day-to-day running, but it's certainly frustrating and leaves you feeling a bit scared.

"There's often a lot of boys hanging around the area, riding their bikes, sitting on cars, smoking, and it can be a bit intimidating for some people, but we haven't been targeted like this before."

"It's strange because I've been running this place for 14 years and we've never had a burglary but suddenly we've had two in two weeks" - Nurul Haque

A police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating two burglaries at a restaurant on Northumberland Road, Maidstone on June 9 between 3am and 4.10am and on June 22 at around 3.45am.

"On both occasions damage was caused to a door and a quantity of cash was stolen.

"The money stolen during the second break-in was found discarded at the rear of the premises and returned to the victim.

"Anyone who has information that may assist the investigations is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting crime reference 46/119755/19.

"Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111."

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