A SHOP in Bitterne has been broken into for the second time in the past 6 months.

The Carpet and Bed Gallery on Bitterne Road was subjected to an overnight burglary between 9pm on January 9 and 8.50am on January 10.

Offenders broke into the property by busting open the front door, before they proceeded to take a selection of candles, a charity box with cash inside and some carpet rolls.

Sophie Carey, who works at the shop, described the ordeal as "very disheartening" that people feel the need to break into places "for fun".

She said: "It definitely does seem to be happening more and more often at the moment. At the moment repairs look to cost hundreds of pounds, but we are going to have to up the security, which will mean getting a roller shutter door. This will then take us into the thousands!"

This is not the first time that the store has been burgled, with the first incident happening just six months ago on August 2.

During the first break-in, similar items were stolen including candles and two charity collection tins, and while Police aren't investigating the connection between the two incidents, staff at the shop believe "the two are linked" due to the similar nature of how the shop was left.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "We received a report of a burglary at The Carpet and Bed Gallery, Bitterne Road, Southampton. Entry was forced and some candles, vinyl and a charity box was stolen. This incident is not being linked to anything at this time."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 44200011239, or alternatively people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.