A jeweller in Bridport is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community following a burglary which left her shocked.

As previously reported in the News, Battens Jewellers on South Street was broken into and items were stolen at around 3.20am on Friday, August 16.

The upper half of the shop window suffered serious damage, which allowed the thieves to reach inside and snatch jewellery.

Read more: Battens Jewellers owner tells of shock after burglary

The shopfront after the break-inThe shopfront after the break-in (Image: Battens Jewellers)

Silver bracelets estimated to be worth almost £1k were stolen.

Owner Gemma Case was shocked by the break-in but is grateful for the community spirit that followed, which has helped to lessen the blow, she said.

"People have read the article and they are still coming in to give their thoughts.

"The community in Bridport is fantastic, they pull together then needed which is lovely.

"It makes you feel that it is not all bad in the world, which after this is needed."

Although the damage is covered by insurance, Ms Case estimates that thousands of pounds of damage was done - far exceeding the value of the items believed to be stolen.

A man, in his 20s, will be speaking to police in connection to this incident. He has not been arrested.

Ms Case added: "I have heard that someone is helping the police with their enquiries which is wonderful.

"We have got the grills up and the windows boarded over, but we are still here and still open. Hopefully, we will be able to replace that bit of glass soon.

"It is good to hear police have made progress with their investigation. They have been keeping us informed - Police Constable Paul Miners has been really good."

The shop window remains in a boarded-up state, as the anti-bandit glass must be special ordered, however, Battens remains open at its usual hours.

The mess left inside the storeThe mess left inside the store (Image: Battens Jewellers)

Due to the store's boarded-up state, Ms Case says people have been assuming they are closed, and have been seeing fewer people come into the store.

She wishes to emphasise that they are open as usual and 'here to help'.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240125832.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.