A SHOP owner has been left deflated after thieves stole a selection of balloons and cards.

Blackburn Balloons and Gifts was hit by criminals who broke in through the back door before stealing more than 100 balloons.

Hilary Whalley, who runs the Livesey Branch Road shop, said offenders also took every greetings card for a new born baby boy and girl.

CCTV was also damaged in the break in and a charity piggy bank was smashed.

However it contained less than £1 in change.

Mrs Whalley said: "The first thing I noticed was when the piggy bank was smashed on the floor and I thought that was strange.

"Then when I looked up I realised the balloons were gone, there was hundreds of them taken.

"It's strange, I don't know why they decided to take all the cards for new born baby boys and girls.

"I honestly have no idea at all why anyone would do this.

"Maybe they just got bored of the usual shoplifting.

"I'm laughing about it now but I'm still upset and angry about it all."

She said it cost around £500 to replace the stolen stock which included balloons featuring Disney characters and for events such as weddings and birthdays.

The balloons which were taken were stored in packets on a shelf ready to be sold.

To gain entry to the store offenders broke through the rear shutter before smashing a small hole in the window to climb through.

Mrs Whalley said the only evidence left behind from the culprit was a single footprint on the shop floor.

The incident happened between 5.30pm and 10.30am between Thursday, October 12, and Friday, October 13.

Police said no arrests had been made regarding the incident and enquires were still on going.

A spokesman said: "The offenders smashed there way in to the shop before taking balloons and greetings cards.

"They then escaped from the scene.

"Our enquires are still on going with the investigation and we would encourage anyone who knows anything to com forward to us."

Anyone with information should contact 101 and quote log number ED171 6941.