Plans to relocate a family-run business have been put on hold following a burglary.

Grovehurst Pet Shop was due to vacate its premises off Grovehurst Road, Kemsley, and move into Unit 4 at Grove Park Shopping Centre in Gadby Road, Sittingbourne, within the next week.

This is due to the land being developed for housing. But the transfer has been postponed for a month after stock worth £3,000 was stolen from the new site.

To add insult to injury, owner Susan Bird has been left out of pocket as she had no insurance for the shop.

It happened sometime between 5.30pm last Wednesday and 6.30am the following day. There was no sign of forced entry but police are investigating.

Mrs Bird, 53, who has owned the business for 13 years, said: “We’ve been decorating and putting shelves in then on Wednesday we took lots of stock up there.

Video: Burglars targeted Grovehurst Pet Shop - Jem Collins reports

"Thursday I went up there about 3pm to find it had been burgled. The fella who lives above the shop said he came down to go for a bike ride and noticed the back door was open.

“They took shampoos, wormers, flea treatment, toys, dog coats and an electric drill and display baskets.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t insured. I’ve since been on the phone to insure both places and we’ve moved out all the other stock. I feel very disappointed with some of the human race. We’re trying to earn a living and this feels like a kick in the teeth.

“It will delay our opening as we’ve now got to get the money together to try and replenish the items taken.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference XY/023674/15.