Designer bags and dresses were stolen in a break-in that left the shop owner feeling "sick to the stomach".

Emma Pinfold, the owner of designer shop Bond Street to Your Street, was on holiday when thieves smashed their way into her Tenterden High Street shop under cover of darkness.

The burglary was discovered by a shop assistant who was opening up the premises and saw that a purple bag by Prada had been taken from the window display.

It was among a haul of items that also included a quilted Chanel bag, a Christian Dior belt and Mulberry purse, which were taken in the raid. The value of the missing goods is estimated to be around £20k.

Thieves had scaled up the property and onto a flat roof where they broke a window and gained access to the stock room.

Emma said: "The stock room had been ransacked and boxes had been emptied everywhere. It looked like they were in a rush."

The businesswoman, who has a shop in Cranbrook, had only just opened her second branch in Tenterden in November. She said: "I waited a long time to get the right premises in Tenterden. It's such a beautiful town."

Bond Street to Your Street sells pre-owned high-end designer clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that customers ask Emma to sell on their behalf, for which she takes a commission.

The 42-year-old was in the process of installing top-of-the-range security cameras after also having to deal with shoplifters.

She said: "I feel sick to the stomach by what has happened. I'm devastated, I have six children and work very hard to make a living so I can feed and clothe them, only for someone to come along and just steamroll through it all."

Emma added: "I would ask anyone to come forward if they have information on the burglary and if it leads to conviction I'm prepared to give a very generous reward."

She declined to specify the amount and says she is determined to carry on running her business.

Emma added: "I feel let down but I won't be beaten."

In the same incident, the Sayers Lane offices of Tenterden and Ashford councillor Callum Knowles were broken into via the rooftops. A window was shattered and drawer fronts smashed in. A small quantity of cash and gifts of alcohol were taken in the raid.

A white refrigerated van was captured on CCTV parked outside the Bond Street to Your Street shop at the time of the break-ins, which Emma believes to be of significance.

A police spokesman said: "We were called at 10.15am on Tuesday, January 21 to a report that a shop had been burgled in Tenterden High Street.

"The burglary is believed to have taken place between 5pm on Monday, January 20 and 10.15am on Tuesday, January 21. A number of designer handbags and cash were stolen.

"Enquiries are ongoing and officers are examining CCTV from the local area."

Anyone with any information is urged to call the appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/12531/20.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

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