A SHOP owner is furious after an £800 ring was stolen.

A star ruby ring was stolen from an outlet at the shopping emporium at Wardon Hill Trading Post at the Clay Pigeon site off the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil.

The theft, which happened shortly before closing on Thursday, July 11, has left the owner feeling angry and demoralised.

She says CCTV at the site captured the theft and police will be reviewing the tape as part of their investigations. 

The emporium owner, Jackie Trickett said: "It does make us very angry. It is hard enough to run a business as it is.

"This is just the latest in a long line and I have had enough. It has had a big effect, it is very demoralising. It seems to be happening more and more.

"You struggle to keep the business going and then you have people like that who come in and help themselves."

Ms Trickett claims three people were involved, but entered the shop separately.

"We didn't realise they were together," said Ms Trickett. "One of them came in first and the others came in later, going off into the other room - we have it all on CCTV.

"The merchandise belonged to one of our traders who is also one of my members of staff. 

"It cost £800, you can see why we are upset."

The ring was in a locked cabinet, but Mrs Trickett says the culprit used a wire to remove it.

Mrs Trickett added: "He had a wire or something in his jumper and he managed to get through the slight gap in the door and managed to pick the ring up."

The emporium has more than 80 individual traders. The Trading Post features antiques, collectables, and crafts and also includes a tea room.

Mrs Trickett is asking that anyone with any information contacts the police.

Mrs Trickett added: "It happens regularly, we try and stop it where we can but on this occasion, we haven't been able to do that.

"It costs us thousands. It is just getting worse all the time."

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240098380.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.