A SHOP owner has hit out after “despicable thieves” stole toiletries and cleaning equipment from the rear room of the store.

Enham Village Post Office & Stores which is run by Leslie Francis, and husband Tim, were targeted on Monday at about 1.50pm.

Two men are believed to have entered the shop, in Newbury Road, and while Leslie was distracted by one of the thieves, three women walked into the rear room of the store.

There they stole £70 worth of toiletries, nappies and cleaning equipment by hiding them in large skirts.

The group then made off, before the couple called the police.

“We were absolutely targeted. I am 99.9 per cent sure the two males came in the shop last week,” Leslie said.

“I saw the men but didn’t see the females come in.

“I feel enraged, really it is disgusting. They are just out-and-out thieves.”

Not only was a lot of stock for the small shop stolen, but the group also knocked over deodorants while in the act, which will cost the store more money and the area had to be cleaned up.

Leslie added: “They are despicable thieves. It is tough enough as it is without being subjected to that.

“We spend 12 hours a day to provide a community service. I am just glad it was Tim and I who were here.”

CCTV of the incident has been passed to police and will be circulated to other Post Offices in the area, to prevent it from happening again and in a bid to catch the offenders.

Leslie said: “You never know who is looking, we are always vigilant, we have security as you never know what their intent was.”

The store has also informed the local Royal Mail employee who has been asked to share the news of the incident with other community stores.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting 44190121426.