A balaclava-clad shoplifter scampered off with a melon, lemon and pineapple from a family greengrocer regularly targeted by fruit thieves.

Produce from Nicola Prentis's Westgate-on-Sea store, J. Prentis, has been swiped by petty criminals three times in just seven days.

The 43-year-old saw a brazen thief jump out of a convertible to grab a bunch of grapes from the shop's outdoor display before driving off last Tuesday - while another passer-by was later spotted swiping oranges.

But following the latest incident on Saturday, which saw a masked teenager sprint away with an armful of fruit, Mrs Prentis is vowing to "get a melon and throw it" at the heads of wrongdoers.

"He was stood outside wearing a balaclava and looked straight into my nephew’s eyes, before grabbing the stuff and running off," Mrs Prentis told KentOnline.

"My nephew ran out after him and then phoned me to ask if he should carry on chasing him, but I said no because you never know what you’re running into.

"Before that, one man got out of his car, grabbed some grapes and drove off. Another kid took some oranges.

"I shouldn't have to stand guard outside my shop all day because these people can't keep their grubby fingers off my stuff. I'm so angry."

Mrs Prentis estimates the family-run firm has lost about £20 from the incidents - which were not reported to the police as she had no CCTV at the time - over the last week.

She says it has "been hard on the little business".

"It’s about the principle for me - I just think it’s rude," she explained.

"I feel angry because it’s my livelihood.

"I have to buy in all the produce and then people think it’s okay to just help themselves.

"Customers now come in and say 'have you had anything else stolen?' and I say 'no, but if I do I shall get a melon and throw it straight it at their head'."

The recent problems have prompted Mrs Prentis to purchase CCTV cameras, which allow her to monitor the stalls outside the retailer.

She also says her nephew will be stationed outside the shop "on guard" during busy periods.