AN historic Colchester business has been left counting the cost after high end handbags worth thousands of pounds were stolen in a raid.

Sands & Sons, which was established in 1872, was targeted in the dead of night by what the owners believe was a “professional” criminal.

Hordes of expensive Christmas stock was taken from the shop in Bank Passage.

The Gazette understands the crook smashed their way into the shop through the front door, leaving piles of shattered glass in his wake.

Manager Qais Paiman, 37, says the cost of the burglary has been more than £7,000, due to the repairs he has had to carry out and the value of the stolen bags.

Mr Paiman said: “They kicked the door in and then took a load of bags which we had ordered from Italy three months before.

“They were expensive leather bags which mothers and wives get treated to at Christmas – they cost hundreds of pounds.

“We have been broken into three times this year so it is quite worrying – these are professional criminals.

Echo:

“I am based in London but sometimes I am in the shop doing work quite late with my children – it would be traumatising if someone broke in while we were there.”

The incident happened on October 31, with police investigating.

Earlier this week the store also fell victim to an incident where it is alleged a man posing as a customer took a purse from a shop assistant’s bag.

According to Mr Paiman, the “charming” shopper had previously visited the store to reserve a bag, before returning to pick it up on Tuesday.

While the helpful employee went to collect his purchase, he was caught on camera making his way into a staff-only room and allegedly taking a purse.

Echo:

“He was very well spoken, his haircut was very well done, and he was dressed properly, so you would not think he is this kind of person,” added Mr Paiman.

“I reckon he was looking for a safe so he could come back at another time to steal it.

“We are going through very difficult times and if he was a good person he would not be doing anything like this.

“I am not keen on him being put behind bars but we don’t want him to be going to other places and doing the same thing.”

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.