THE owners of a pet shop in Ilminster have expressed their dismay after they were burgled this week - the thieves damaged a window to gain entry.
Avon and Somerset Police said between 5.45pm on Monday, March 2 and 8am on Tuesday, March 3, PAWS Pet Supplies Shop in Ditton Street, which has been in the town centre for nearly three decades, was burgled.
Police said that to gain entry, the thieves damaged a window and stole items, including charity collection boxes.
They said: “A pet shop in Ditton Street in Ilminster was burgled between 5.45pm on Monday 2 March and 8am on Tuesday, March 3.
“The thieves damaged a window to gain entry and stole items, including charity collection boxes.”
According to owners Andrew and Serena Broom, ‘a whole day’s takings’ were stolen alongside other valuables, with them coming in to find their shop ‘ransacked’, with the windows broken and the back office in disarray.
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When asked how he was feeling about the situation, Andrew said: “I feel disappointed, we are trying our best to do the best we can for the community.”
Serena added: “It was horrible coming in yesterday, seeing the mess that someone had made in the shop that you’ve worked hard enough to build.
“If anyone knows anything or has got any CCTV footage, could they come forward, or even let the police know?”
To get in touch with Andrew or Serena directly about the incident, email andser01@hotmail.co.uk or call +44 7340 062056.
According to a woman in the shop, she feels crime is increasing in Ilminster at an alarming rate.
She said: “Ilminster used to be community-based and now it's being taken over by crime.”
Avon and Somerset Police have issued an appeal, requesting that anyone with relevant information, CCTV, dashcam or other footage which could help, call 101 and give the reference 5226058997.
Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online.
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