Too tense to sleep after burglaries

A Shopkeeper was unable to sleep for weeks after being burgled twice during a spate of town centre break-ins.

Thieves targeted businesses in Maidstone seven times in less than two weeks between May 22 and June 2.

Fazal Ali lost around £5,000 in stock, cash and damage from Homeland in Week Street.

“It was scary, the last two or three weeks we can’t sleep because we are too tense and stress too much,” said the 54-year-old.

“They came through the back door and took cash from the till, BB guns, lighters, and some other stuff.

“We have CCTV but his face was covered and he was wearing gloves and everything.”

Sadly for Mr Ali he was tar- geted again several days later when more goods were taken.

Goran Omar, owner of Newsline, several doors down from Mr Ali’s store, says he lost between £7,000-£8,000 taking into account cash stolen and the cost of repairs.

“It costs us a lot of money when you are working very hard to make money and then suddenly it’s just gone like that,” he said.

Security at the shop has now been increased with a full alarm, metal door and CCTV.

“I hope this is never going to happen again”, he added.

A 49-year-old is due to appear in court in relation to burglary and theft at two restaurants and a shop in Ashford Road and Week Street, Maidstone.