Burglars smashed their way into a newsagents and stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes, leading residents to launch a fundraiser for the "integral" shopkeeper.
Oxhey Village residents have come out in support of their “friend and local business owner” after News Bit in Villiers Road was raided at around 3am today (August 20).
A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said two suspects broke the metal shutters and smashed the glass panel door to gain entry.
A GoFundMe page has now been set up for the News Bit owner Prem, who organisers said is “integral" to the community, and has already garnered over £700 from 39 donations.
They added: “This fundraiser is to show we care and help cover some of the out of pocket expenses arising from this crime.”
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Officers said it was too early to estimate the value of the stolen cigarettes, although the Oxhey Village Environment Group claimed they could be worth “thousands of pounds”.
It added: “We’re grateful to the police for their support and investigation into this incident and wish Prem all the best as he gets the shop reopened and restocked.”
Police enquiries are ongoing and any information or footage can be reported via 101 or online quoting crime reference number 41/69072/24.
News Bit has been contacted for more information.
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