THIEVES have targeted a Netherton pet shop that was forced to remove its security shutters by Dudley planners.

The door of Ted's Pet Supplies was kicked in during the early hours of May 25 and thousands of pounds worth of stock was taken.

Clare Worton, who runs the Halesowen Road shop with her 46-year-old husband Mark, said they were devastated to discover what had happened.

She said: "The door and the doorframe are damaged and there was broken ornaments and lots of mess where they had emptied out bags and tubs to carry the stock in.

"They took dogs leads and collars, a cat scratching post, a cage, lots of reptile accessories, and treatments including wormers and shampoos - in total it's going to cost around £2,000.

"We are only a small family run business. Why should we work so hard to get where we are for some mindless person to think it's their right to come along and do what they have?"

The 41-year-old said customers had been supportive in the wake of the incident, despite the lack of stock.

She said the burglary "would not have happened" if Dudley Council hadn't forced them to take down the roller shutter that was installed in December 2010.

When retrospective planning permission was applied for, it was refused on the grounds the metal shutters had “a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the host building and the wider street scene, and create a harsh, hostile exterior appearance.”

A petition was launched against the decision and an unsuccessful appeal was lodged with the planning inspectorate.

Mrs Worton said they had not applied since as "Dudley Councils policy regarding shutters hasn't changed" but added: "Other shops in Netherton can have shutters so they are protected so why can't we have them? My husband has been sleeping her since it happened."

Netherton councillor Qadar Zada, who supported the original campaign for the shutters, prior to his role as chairman of the council's Development Control Committee, said: "I'm gutted that a shopkeeper, who is trying to earn an honest living and provide a public service in Netherton finds themselves in the position where they are losing money because of heartless individuals.

"We need to get right the balance between shopkeepers having adequate security which doesn't entirely impact on the outlook of the property - we need to think more creatively around that."

Anyone who has information about the burglary should contact West Midlands Police on 101.