A charity shop has been burgled and other stores vandalised in a town centre smashing spree.

Windows of three Harbour Street and High Street shops in Whitstable were shattered in the early hours of Sunday morning.

After using a hammer to break a large pane of glass at Relate - a charity shop that raises money to help provide counselling to couples, families and young people - the thief then stole stock that was displayed in the shop window.

Shop assistant Paula Cusden said: “They took one or two men’s overcoats. They were really good quality ones - they would have been sold by us for about £25 or £30. It was almost like they knew what they were going to get.

“People living in flats above Harbour Street were shouting at the man who broke the window when it happened, apparently.

“A lady who lives above us saw it happen - we’re just waiting on police and for evidence to come together now.”

This is the second time one of the Harbour Street charity shop’s windows has been smashed in two years.

In March, front windows of three other independent businesses in the same street - Mosaic boutique, Union House and Elliott’s - were also shattered, prompting shop owners to call for a stronger police presence in Whitstable.

“It’s just absolutely ridiculous,” said Ms Cusden. “We’re trying our best to make money for our charity, and now we have to try to get even more money in to counteract the damage.

“The window has been boarded up, but a lot of our volunteers are old, and it’s really cold now.

“We’ve now had to remove all our pricier stuff from the window too, in case it’s targeted again.

“I don’t know who would do this. If it was someone homeless who needed a coat, we’d have gladly given one to them.

“But about four businesses had windows smashed, so I don’t know if that’s what it was.”

Other businesses targeted include Harbour Street store Urbanista and The Offy in the High Street - although it is thought Relate is the only shop to have been burgled.

Ross Bell, owner of The Offy, said: “Nothing was taken. I don’t know if it was just criminal damage or an attempted break-in.”

Police are looking for a man who was spotted in the area at the time of the incident - thought to have taken place between 4am and 4.20am on Sunday.

A spokesman said: “A man is reported to have broken the window of a charity shop with a hammer and stolen a long black coat.

“The window of a second shop selling clothing and jewellery was broken but nothing was stolen.

“Police are trying to trace a man wearing a black duffle coat and dark blue jeans who was seen in the area at the time.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to phone police on 01843 222289 quoting reference number 46/7403/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.