Staff '˜frightened' after family-run Gosport shop is vandalised

An owner of a family-run shop has said he has been left '˜upset and annoyed' after his premises and van were vandalised yesterday evening.
Kevin Jones alongside the boarded up windows where the glass panes were smashed.Kevin Jones alongside the boarded up windows where the glass panes were smashed.
Kevin Jones alongside the boarded up windows where the glass panes were smashed.

The incident took place at the family run Kev Jones and Son convenience store in Nobes Avenue, Gosport.

During the incident, which owner Kevin Jones said happened at about 5.20 pm, three panes of glass were smashed at the front of the shop with a further side window being shattered on the store's delivery van.

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Kevin, who has owned the shop for 15 years, said: '˜I don't yet know the cost of the damage caused but I am pretty upset by what has happened '“ it is a real nuisance.'

Kevin Jones alongside the boarded up windows where the glass panes were smashed.Kevin Jones alongside the boarded up windows where the glass panes were smashed.
Kevin Jones alongside the boarded up windows where the glass panes were smashed.

Kevin explained that members of staff who witnessed the incident were frightened and had used the panic button to alert police. 

One employee, who asked not to be named, said: '˜We are all upset as this is a family business. It is really frightening for us as staff. There have been small incidents before but nothing as bad as this.'

Residents were also shocked and saddened by what took place.

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Regular customer Debbie Hindle, said: '˜I am mortified this has happened to a family business. I often use the shop and I am really upset for Kevin himself.'

'˜It is awful that this has happened. You don't normally see shops smashed up round here. I am shocked that someone could do this,' added fellow shopper, Laura Penhaligon.  

Police have since stated: '˜We were called at 5:17pm on Friday 2 November to a report of criminal damage at a convenience store on Nobes Avenue in Gosport.

A 36 year-old man from Gosport was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been released without charge, but remains under investigation.

Anyone who saw what happened can call 101 quoting 44180412563.