A FORDINGBRIDGE business owner says she has been left "heartbroken" and feeling "absolutely numb" after a break-in.

The Dolls House Restaurant and Tearoom was broken into between 4pm on Saturday (March 12) and 8am on Sunday (March 13).

Sharon Buckland, who runs the business in High Street, says the door was "completely trashed" and the glass panels broken during the incident.

A till, containing £70 in cash and £400 in vouchers, was taken - leaving her not only having to replace the damaged door but also buy a new till. 

"It was heartbreaking to be honest, with Covid and things that have happened over the last two years."

The break-in, she says, has left her feeling "absolutely numb". 

"I lost a day's trading on Sunday. I can't afford to lose money like this. It is heartbreaking for me," added Sharon. 

It was one of three businesses targeted by thieves who broke into The Cottage Loaf and attempted to break into Carl Hillwood Hair and Beauty.

The business had previously been based at the former Dolls House on Bridge Street before moving to the bigger High Street premises and started trading there in December 2020, three weeks before the lockdown.

"I'll never forget the last two years. I've had everything thrown at me. It was like the final straw. I'm told I'm a strong person and I will get over it. I think these things never leave you."

She added: "It is so unneccesary. The damage done and the loss of trade is damaging."

Also read: Call for more police patrols after break-ins leave shopkeepers feeling 'vulnerable' 

However, she says her spirits have been lifted by the support shown by the local community who have sent her lovely messages.

"They have been so lovely and so supportive," said Sharon. 

"It was so devastating and everybody was really so nice to me. It is just an awful thing."

Sharon is getting ready to reopen and welcome back customers tomorrow (Tuesday March 15).

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44220100700.