A thief has been caught on camera stealing cigarettes, alcohol and cash from a family-run newsagents in the middle of the night.

The crook can be seen casually walking around Victory News in Broadstairs at midnight last nightand filling a carrier bag with what looks like cans of beer.

The store in Nelson Place is run by the Chamberlain family.

Michael Chamberlain, the owner's son, says cigarettes, alcohol and money was taken, and a charity box - collecting donations for Cheerful Sparrows at QEQM hospital in Margate - was also cleared out.

He said: "Someone decided to smash the front door window, let themselves in and help themselves.

"The CCTV shows one person but we believe there may have been someone keeping watch outside.

"He took a lot which amounts to a lot of money which is hard for an independent business."

Mr Chamberlain says it is a real knock to the family, which has run the newsagents and grocery shop for 16 years.

"The man was just casually walking around with a bag like he was doing his shopping," he added.

"We've got CCTV and so we hope this will help catch whoever it is."

It was business as usual for the shop, which still opened this morning to its loyal customers.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating a report of a burglary at a newsagents in Nelson Place, Broadstairs.

"The owner called police at 5.15am today to report that the windows of the shop had been smashed and items including cigarettes, alcohol and money had been taken.

"Officers are making enquiries into the burglary including viewing CCTV footage."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/185690/19.

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