A pet shop owner has spoken of her "nightmare" after four pedigree puppies worth nearly £2,000 were stolen during a late night smash and grab raid at her shop.

Thieves are believed to have used a van to smash through the door of Belvedere Pets and Flowers before grabbing the tiny puppies as they slept in their cages overnight.

Devastated shop owner Sheri Poole (pictured above) was alerted by a neighbouring business at 6.45am on January 16.

"I found the door smashed in and dogs taken, it was a nightmare - really horrible," said Sheri.

The pairs of Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers were on sale for £475 and £460 each respectively.

Mrs Poole, 55, who has run the shop for eight years, said: "You can pay anything up to £600 each for them.

"Shih Tzu’s are more in demand than Westie’s. I’ve heard about them being stolen in parks around Bexley.

"If the thieves do try to sell them and you notice the sellers are slightly suspicious, they might be returned."

Around £350 in cash was also taken from the pet shop.

Acting Detective Superintendent Gary Holmes from Bexley CID said: "With help from the public the puppies will be found and go to caring owners.

"Burglary is a top priority for Bexley and we will use all necessary methods available to us to ensure we keep burglars off our streets."

Anyone with information should call Bexley burglary and robbery squad on 020 8284 9248.