A BROADWAY antiques dealer was left so devastated after a £12,000 raid she has decided to sell up.

Cathy Turner, owner of Art Nouveau Originals at The Bindery in Broadway High Street, was targeted by thieves overnight on Saturday, August 12.

After having 24 items stolen, the most valuable being a £3,500 18-carat white gold ring with an emerald cut central stone and diamonds on either side, the antiques owner who has been running the shop for two-and-half years has decided to sell up.

Mrs Turner said: "I've had enough. Business is difficult but this is the third time this year that thieves have stolen from my shop.

"It's very difficult for high street retailers although no-one wants to talk about it. That's why I've decided not to carry on. This latest theft has left me very upset and selling the shop means I will have to let my two part-time workers go.

"The one has been with me since I opened up."

Mrs Turner, who has 30 year's experience in dealing in antiques, said the thieves distracted staff and took items from the gallery hidden from their view.

The same thing happened in March when thieves made off with £3,500 of items and again in June when £2,800 worth of goods were stolen.

She added: "I've always had an open door policy but the recent theft just makes it impossible to run a gallery. I will carry on and do some antique fairs but I don't think I'll run my own business again."

A police spokesman said: "There is a strong possibility that the stolen items will be offered for re-sale. Dealers and collectors should, therefore, be extremely cautious when buying and be totally sure they know the true origin of items being offered."