RESIDENTS are rallying round a pensioner who runs a shop at the heart of the Alcester community after thieves made off with £40, 000 worth of stock.

Alan Stephens, aged 71, who has owned Alcester Sports and Tackle on Tything Road for 36 years, was “devastated” after he found out his life’s work destroyed by thieves who broke in overnight between Tuesday, July 7 and the morning of July 8.

Forced entry was made into the shop and a large quantity of fishing supplies, a variety of rifles and £1,500 of cash was taken. Further damage was also caused to the shop as water was poured over the till and display cabinets.

Mr Stephens, orignally from Redditch, said: "I was inconsolable. A guy from the lock shop heard me shouting and screaming and he took me out, away from the shop and made me a cup of tea."

He thanked the community saying he was “overwhelmed” by the help he had received after residents set up a fundraising page to help restore the shop. So far more than £600 has been donated.

"From phone calls, to coming into the shop to see how I am, buying me a bag of chips -it does say a lot", he said.

"The support has been phenomenal. So many people can be so kind."

Mr Stephens, who has lived with his partner Sue Reidy in Alcester for past 19 years, said the shop may have to close for good as he would find extremely difficult to restock due to value of the items taken but people’s kindness had spurred him on.

"I can't live on a pension but I might have to too, "he said.

He added that bait liquid was used to stop fingerprints being transferred and a tap was left on to cover footprints.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw a white Ford Transit van around the area.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time of the incident is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 95 of July, 8.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

To donate visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/loren-lewis-1.