CUSTOMERS at a corner shop in Southam have rallied to support the much-loved owner after it was targeted by thieves.
The Pop n Shop on Mill Crescent was recently broken into with around £12,000 in cash and stock stolen.
Owner Thanooj Jeyatheepan – who also lives above the shop – was left devastated, especially when he discovered his insurance did not cover some of his losses.
Wanting to show the shop owner how appreciated by the community he is, residents rallied to raise a token £170 in a campaign spearheaded by Paul Towle.
The 57 year-old engineer told the Observer: “Thanooj was in bits that his shop had been broken into. He works so hard, seven days a week for the benefit of the community and really did not deserve this. He’s open nearly all the time and there for us all.
“I was disgusted when I found out what happened. A break-in like this has a terrible impact on anyone, particularly a small business owner where budgets can be very tight and insurance very expensive.”
The shop owner has been working hard to continue running the shop after the break-in.
And Paul, who recently handed over the cheque to Thanooj, says he has been humbled by the support of the community.
He told the Observer: “I wanted to show Thanooj how much we appreciate his time and dedication to keep the shop open for us.
“The money is not a lot but it is a token from us, the community, to show we care.”
Thanooj plans to donate the money to charity on behalf of himself and his customers.
