Horsham town centre store owner’s heartbreak as burglars ransack store weeks before Christmas

Joseph Crouch, 30, said he was heartbroken after discovering thieves had broken into Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop in West Street overnight on Sunday December 6.

He said: “I have had the shop seven years. I don’t have children yet – it’s my baby.

“It was really personal. I care massively about it. It’s horrible.”

Joseph said the front door of the store was smashed open and broken, tills were emptied of their floats and charity pots were taken, including one which was raising funds for St Barnabas in memory of his mum.

He added: “For someone to take them you’re taking a piece of me.”

Joseph has started a fundraiser to help pay for security measures at the store as well as to raise funds for to replace the stolen charity pots. He said any funds above the cost of the security equipment will be given to charity.

More than £200 has already been raised in the appeal.

Jospeh said: “It’s heartwarming that people have shown that generosity.

“It brought a tear to my eye. It will change the way that I give in future. It completely changes the way you perceive people.

“It puts your faith back in humanity.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police are investigating following a report of a burglary at Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, 42 West Street, Horsham between 4pm on Sunday (December 6) and 9am on Monday (December 7). Cash from the till and four charity pots were reported as missing.

“If you have any information or CCTV footage that can help the investigation, please report online (https://www.sussex.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/) or call us on 101, quoting serial 216 of 07/12.”

To donate to the fundraiser see https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joseph-crouch-1