A BUSINESSWOMAN has hit out at thieves after they again broke the window of her shop and stole charity boxes.

It is only two weeks since Melanie Fishwick got the window of Sweet Treat Designs on Water Street, Accrington, repaired after vandals had attacked it in June.

She now faces another repair bill after vandals damaged the window overnight on Tuesday at the shop which sells chocolate and sweet bouquets.

She said: “There were six other shops in Accrington which had their windows broken last week.

“I thought it was going to be safe again after it happened last time in June but then I got the police calling me at 3am to ask if owned a shop.

“They have just stolen some charity boxes and also some petty cash that they could find.

“They did not steal anything else such as my products. So all they were looking for was quick money.

“I just feel that I am have been in business for two and a half years and you struggle to get through the early days.

“Then the last six months when we have a bit of cash at the end of the week and then this happens and I am having to pay out £200 to board up the window and then up to £300 replace the glass. It just makes you wonder why you are bothering.

“It is so costly to get shutters and that is more money we shouldn’t have to spend.

“I got told by my insurance company that we may not be able to get money back because we have not put in extra measures to improve security, but we cannot afford to get shutters.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called to the incident at 2.10am on October 9 after an offender approached the shop broke the window and took a couple of charity boxes and some change.

“We are appealing for witnesses to contact us with the log 1823755 of October 9.”