A SHOP owner has been left 'devastated' after a man smashed his way into a business in the early hours, stealing items worth £42,000.
As reported, high-value antique rings were stolen from Sherborne Antiques Market in Cheap Street.
Alongside the antique rings, gold and silver chains and precious stones were also stolen - and the value of the stolen items has now been revealed to be around £42,000.
Craig Wharton owns the Sherborne Antiques Market with his partner Phillip Traves.
Mr Wharton said seeing the damage to the shop was "devastating".
He said: "When I came in, I felt all manner of emotions, it was devastating.
"It was property belonging to three dealers who I respect greatly and I feel so bad for them.
"They have taken a huge loss, the cabinets are rented by dealers in the market.
"We have done everything that we can to protect those cabinets.
"The people of Sherborne have been very kind and helpful, we were able to get the door fixed on the same day and the police were here within minutes of us calling."
Mr Wharton said that the burglar used a "motorised saw to cut the bottom of the door", to evade the window alarms.
He added: "He then came in on his belly to evade the shop alarms and took home several items to the value of £42,000."
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
The theft was reported at around 2.35am on Wednesday, May 1, but police have only recently released the information to the public.
The man who broke in is described as aged between 30 and 50 years old, 5ft 9 ins tall, and of large build. He was wearing a cap, gloves, dark-coloured clothing and a face covering.
It is reported that he left on a bicycle and rode along Cheap Street following the incident.
Police Constable Matthew Robinson, of Sherborne police, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard suspicious activity in the area on the night of the incident.
“I would also ask residents in the area to please check their home CCTV system or doorbell camera to see if they have captured any footage that may assist my enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting number 55240064275.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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