A business owner says he hasn’t been able to sleep since £20,000 of stock was stolen from his store, just weeks before Christmas.

Police were alerted to a burglary at Fone Fix in the Forum Shopping Centre, Sittingbourne between 6pm last Sunday (November 12) and 8am on Monday (November 13).

Owner Deepak Dhall says £20,000 of phones, Apple watches, headphones, and tablets were taken.

He believes thieves gained entry through an external door, which was damaged, before smashing the shop window as well as the cabinets inside the store.

Mr Dhall says he hasn’t been able to sleep since, and is worried about the future of his firm, which opened in August.

He added: “I was shocked when I saw what had happened and now I am worried about not only my future but also the other businesses.

“The burglar has taken around £20,000 of goods and it will cost me around £5,000 to fix the shop window as it needs to be replaced with thick glass.

“I haven't been able to sleep at night since this happened because I have suffered such a loss just before Christmas.”

The 39-year-old shop owner wants to see security guards at night at the complex.

He added: “I should be able to go home with the peace of mind that my shop is secure and was part of the reason that I signed the five-year lease to be in the Forum.”

The store now has temporary window fittings.

The Forum has been approached for comment.

Officers are investigating the burglary.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the appeal line on 01795 419119, quoting 46/201579/12.