A vape shop owner has shared a CCTV image of an intruder who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to his store.

Vaparettes in South Street, Deal, was targeted around 11.30pm on Wednesday, April 22.

Little stock of value was taken but substantial damage has been caused to the glass door, its frame, two cabinets, the till and a coffee machine.

Company director James Gadd who has 11 stores in Kent including in Folkestone, Ramsgate, and Canterbury said: "We are saddened that someone in this current climate can feel it is acceptable to break into any premises and cause unnecessary damage.

"All businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water and to have someone cause thousands of pounds worth of damage and get away with very little stock value is sickening.

"More concerning to us is the unnecessary risk that the police, forensics, glass fitter and staff had to be put through to rectify the situation.

"We would like to say a big thank you to police and forensics who were in attendance within six minutes. Great work by our frontline essential workers who we applaud."

The shop was opened 2017 and is managed by Gary Smith. It sells vapes, electronic cigarettes and e-liquid in a variety of flavours.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 11.30pm on Wednesday 22 April 2020 after an intruder alarm was activated at a shop in South Street, Deal.

"Officers attended and carried out a search of the area. The shop's owner has since reported that a number of items have been stolen from the premises.

"An investigation is ongoing and officers are reviewing CCTV from the local area."

Anyone with any information about the incident should call Kent Police of 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/69109/20.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

Read more: All the latest news from Deal