A Whitchurch business owner has called on any witnesses to a theft at her store to contact police immediately.

Vonnie Wardle, wo owns Pets 2000 in Watergate Arcade, had her handbag stolen on Saturday April 14 when she about to take thousands of pounds in takings away from the store.

She says the opportunity for the thief was a one-off as the takings would have normally bene banked for the day but wants any witness or people with information to come forward.

"I've received some of my belongings back, but I want people in the town to be vigilant about thieves in their shops," she said.

"It was a 'smash and grab' and 99 times out of 100, it wouldn't have happened as my colleague would have taken the money for me.

"If anyone can help find out who did this, then please get in contact with the police and the police only. Don't put it on social media – contact the police."

A west Mercia Police spokeswoman said: "We were called at 5.33pm on Saturday (April 14) to report of a theft in a shop on Watergate Arcade in Whitchurch.

"A handbag containing money and keys was stolen from inside the shop.

"There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.

"If anyone witnessed the offence, please call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident reference 596s of 14 April 2018."