VALUABLE vases have been stolen during a raid on a TV personality's Edenbridge antiques shop.

Lennox Cato, who runs the self-titled premises in the High Street, told the Courier of his shock at hearing it had been broken into on Sunday morning.

The award-winning antiques dealer, who is also a town councillor, has become something of an influential figure in the business, making regular appearances on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.

Mr Cato said the seven 18th century Japanese ornaments were worth "thousands" but was reluctant to reveal the full extent of the loss.

He found out when he got a phone call first thing in the morning. The alarm system had been activated shortly after 6am as a result of the break-in.

"They came through the back, it is worrying," he said. "They took some vases, which is most strange because they are ceramic and it would have been difficult to take them without breaking them.

"Someone has stolen something to order. That's the general consensus by ourselves and the police.

"They didn't take anything else," he said.

Mr Cato said more security measures were being considered as a response to the burglary, and it was not the first time the shop had been targeted in the 13 years it has been trading in the town.

The vases were displayed in the window and Mr Cato suspects they had been spotted before the back door was smashed.

The items stolen were five Japanese Imari vases, comprising two spill vases and three vases with covers. They also took two Meiji period Imari vases that had been made into lamps. Forensic evidence discovered at the scene will form part of the investigation.

Mr Cato and his wife Sue are insured, but they are still keen to find the people responsible.

He said: "We want to catch these thugs. It's just intimidating for people who live in the surrounding area. There are too many burglaries.

"It just undermines your confidence."

Det Con Mark Howell said: "I would urge anyone who may have been in the area early on that Sunday morning and thinks they may have seen something that could help with our investigation to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, if possible quoting reference number 1116.

Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.

Information can also be emailed to appeals.westkent@kent.pnn.police.uk

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