An Armani watch was stolen and cake was eaten by the person suspected of smashing a dry cleaner shop’s window.
JJ Drycleaners in Bushey Hall Road, Bushey, was broken into between 5pm on Tuesday, August 8, and 8am on Wednesday, August 9.
It is the second time the shop’s front window has been smashed, with the first being on July 1.
The shop’s manager Asif Husain told the Watford Observer, that the repair to the window cost £500 each time.
He added: “We are now getting shutters to make the place safer. This is not a way of living; we have to get safer now.”
Based on CCTV footage that the shop has, Mr Husain said a man was seen breaking the front window, entered the shop, looked in the till but then left.
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He continued: “About half an hour later he returned, took my Armani watch, an old phone that had photos of my children on and a bit of cash. I shouldn’t have left those in there.
“We had some cake in the fridge, and he ate that as well.”
Mr Husain is hoping that by sharing the story it will raise awareness in the community.
He said: “When something like this happens it disturbs your whole day and having to get the window fixed.
“I don’t want this to happen to other people.”
The shop, owned by Mr Husain’s father, has been open since 2005 and when an image of the damage was shared on social media several people shared comments of support to the dry cleaners.
Mr Husain said: “At least the community knows we are standing strong.”
The police said that if anyone has information officers can be contacted on 101 quoting the crime reference number 41/63814/23.
Officers added that it did not appear that entry was gained when the window was smashed the first time.
“All lines of enquiry have been exhausted and no suspect has been identified.
“Should any new investigative opportunities become available, they will be acted upon accordingly,” they said.
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