A THIEF walked out of a Bridport shop with a safe – but may not have got away with the Christmas bonus they were hoping for.

The culprit carried the small safe out of the Cilla and Camilla gift and homeware shop in South Street while staff were busy.

Owner Richard Barker said staff had put some change in the safe at lunchtime on Christmas Eve and 15 minutes later it was discovered the safe had gone.

“We believe someone in the shop at the time the change was originally collected, saw the change being taken through to the rear of the shop and took the opportunity, when staff were busy, to carry the safe away,” said Mr Barker.

“It was a small safe but made of thick steel and would have taken some effort to carry through the shop, but that must have been what happened. Whoever took the safe would have needed a duplicate key, or specialist cutting equipment to get access and, if they managed it, would have been disappointed to find less than £100. It was frustrating for us nonetheless – and disconcerting for our staff.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.