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Thieves have stolen more than £300 from a book store in broad daylight.
Two people – a man and woman – are alleged to have swiped the cash, along with a mobile phone and bank cards, from A Bundle of Books in Herne Bay at about 5pm last Thursday.
After entering the store, the pair asked its owner, Andrea White, whether they could have a browse before she closed the Bank Street business for the day.
Manager Ellie Addenbrook, who was not working at the time, says CCTV shows the man later lifting the items from near the till as his accomplice spoke to Ms White.
“The female was asking Andrea about the clubs and activities we run at the shop,” she said.
“When you watch the CCTV, you can see him reaching across and picking up the cash box, which had Andrea’s mobile phone on top, and slipping it into his bag.
“Andrea said that when they came in, they didn’t set off any kind of radar – they were dressed normally and were quite pleasant. They were very good at what they did.
“Andrea was shocked and cross afterwards. She was also a little bit guilty because it happened while she was on her own, but we’re just glad she’s safe.”
Ms Addenbrook says she and Ms White are remaining vigilant in the wake of the incident and that they have made other businesses aware of what happened.
They are also making sure that they do not keep cash on the premises.
“Normally we wouldn’t have that money in there,” she added.
“But the Santander nearby, which is the bank we use, is closed for refurbishment so we can’t take our money in at the moment. It’s just very annoying.”
The thieves also visited the shop’s first floor, where they are alleged to have rifled through a number of cabinets.
“They were out for whatever they could get,” Ms Addenbrook continued.
“When we watched the CCTV back as well, we noticed that when they went upstairs they’d gone through our cupboards and stole the packets of biscuits we give to children at our toddler group and an opened bag of crisps.
“We’ve managed to go six-and-a-half years without having anything stolen, then this happened.”
Police have confirmed that they received a report of a theft from the shop in Bank Street between 5pm and 5.30pm on Thursday.
They say enquiries, including reviews of CCTV opportunities, into the theft are ongoing.
Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/159890/19.
