Nottinghamshire Police is investigating a series of break-ins at Brisbane Court and London Road, Newark

Police are investigating a string of break-ins that hit five businesses overnight last week.

Between 5pm on Thursday (May 16), and 8am the next morning, five stores were targeted in what Nottinghamshire Police officers believe to be a linked series of burglaries.

The break-ins occurred at four businesses on Brisbane Court, Balderton, including a greetings card shop, two takeaways, and a coffee shop, as well as a separate takeaway on nearby London Road.

In each case, intruders gained access by smashing or kicking in glass or wooden doors before making off with cash taken from tills.

CCTV reviewed by Nottinghamshire Police shows a lone suspect, described as a white male of large build, wearing a light-coloured hoodie with the hood up and gloves.

Sharon Henderson, owner of greetings card store Any Occasion in Brisbane Court, said: “It’s just so upsetting.

“I got a call at 8am from James, who owns the butcher’s next door, telling me that all four of our shop doors had been smashed in.”

Ms. Henderson, who confirmed that her charity collection pot for the air ambulance, which was ‘absolutely full’ was among the stolen items, said she has already paid £600 out of pocket to repair the damage.

She added: “There wasn’t much in the till, just some change but they took my charity pot too.

“You get your shop broken into and still have to pay for the damage yourself.”

CCTV from a neighbouring takeaway, Bangkok Express, is believed to have captured the suspect inside the premises at around 10.40pm.

Newark Neighbourhood Policing Team sergeant Rishi Thobhani said the crimes have left business owners distressed.

He said: “The owners of these respective businesses have understandably been left very upset.

“This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable, so we’re determined to track down whoever was responsible.”

Police believe the timing and proximity of the burglaries indicate they are connected and are calling on the public to assist the investigation.

Anyone with information, or who may have CCTV, dash-cam or doorbell footage relevant to the incidents, is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 25000285208.

Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.