The owners of a new pet supplies store say they fear for the future after they were broken into twice in just one week.

Muffleflutt's Pet Emporium, at the Mierscourt Farm Shop, Mierscourt Road, Rainham, was burgled just nine days after it opened. Two days later, it was targeted again.

Owners Richard Brackley and partner Fay Hammond say the crimes have not only scuppered a charity fundraiser in aid of the Kent Air Ambulance, but if it happens again, they will have to shut.

It is a blow after much hard work by the pair who bravely decided to move their business into larger premises despite the recession and Richard suffering a stroke earlier this year.

Thieves broke in during the early hours of the morning, stole cigarettes and vodka and caused more than £1,000 of damage to locks and doors.

Two days later, there was another break-in, causing more damage.

Thankfully an alarm was activated and thieves made off empty-handed.
Richard, who has entered the business in this year's small business awards, said: "Nothing was taken in the second break in, but they caused more damage.

"I've had to shell out a lot of money for the repairs and we can't really afford it. If it happens again, we will have to shut down.

"We employ six members of staff and if we had to close, I don't know what would happen to them.

"I've also had to cancel our charity golf day at Gillingham Golf Club later this month as the money we were going to use to pay for that has now had to be spent on the repairs.

"I will have to ring round and tell people who have already paid their money and they will get a refund.

"It is sad we now can't raise money for the Kent Air Ambulance as we have in past years. I will try and reschedule the charity day for early next year."

Medway police are investigating both incidents. The first was on Monday last week between 3.30am and 6.30am. The second was about 1am on Wednesday.

A Medway Police spokesman said: "A cash register and door were damaged during the incident and a printer and small amount of tobacco were stolen."

Forensic officers and patrols attended the scene and an investigation is under way.

A 19-year-old man from Gillingham was arrested in relation to the second break-in on Wednesday and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information should call 01634 792503, quoting reference DY/014713/11, alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.