Police are hunting burglars who targeted two Sheppey butchers – stealing knives and charity cash.

It is thought the raiders used a crowbar to gain entry into Shaun and Steve O’Meara’s butchers in Trafalgar Parade, Minster Broadway, overnight on Wednesday.

The same evening, Kent Fresh Foods, High Street, Sheerness, was the victim of an attempted break-in where the backdoor was damaged.

Steve O’Meara said: “I found the rear security door ripped open when I arrived for work.

"They took the cash drawer from the till, four steak knives and a charity box for the Isle of Sheppey Rotary Club. That shows what type of people they are.”

The shop was searched but Mr O’Meara said: “We opened on time. We’ll not let people like that ruin us. All our customers have been very understanding and the police were also very helpful.”

It is the first time the shop has been burgled in the 25 years since the brothers took it over.

Kent Fresh Foods owner Stanley Ward said he only realised there had been trouble when he spotted damage to the door and frame.

He said: “I didn’t realise until sometime mid-afternoon on Thursday somebody had tried to break in.

“I phoned the police straight away. They tried to get in with a crow-bar and hammer but they couldn’t.”

The 58-year-old added: “You don’t question them if they have a hammer and crow-bar. It’s the first time I’ve ever had an attempted break-in here.

“It’s always a worry having your own business, especially because we don’t have the trade we use to have. It’s an inconvenience when they do get in.”

• If you have information about the O’Meara burglary, call police on 101 quoting reference XY/041687/15. If you can help with the Kent Fresh Foods attempted break-in, call the same number, quoting reference XY/041687/15