A SHOP owner is considering shutting her business in a coastal village after suffering a fourth burglary.

In five years Julie Edwards has lost thousands of pounds worth of antiques at her shop in Alverstoke, Gosport.

The latest theft happened last week when four men broke into Village Antiques by smashing a window and escaping with silver jewellery and pill boxes with teddy bears on the lids.

She was forced to close down her antique shop in Lee-on-Solent last year when three men spent the night ripping out high-security doors and door frames to escape with a haul of jewellery valued at about £22,000.

That night she lost a collection of jewellery that had taken four years to collect, in her bid to change her business from furniture to precious metals.

What appals her most about the break-in is the lack of action from other villagers.

Mrs Edwards said: "This is a huge body-blow for me and my business. When you only have a small turnover and stock, anything like this sets you back a lot.

"I was almost wiped out last year when my jewellery stock was cleared in one night, but I was determined to carry on. I closed down in Lee and concentrated on my shop here in Alverstoke.

"But the crime here is worse than I'd have ever guessed. The main problem is that people are so shocked by anything happening, they are too scared to do anything. People saw what happened, but did nothing.'' She suspected desperate drug addicts or dealers were responsible. They appeared desperate and dragged a chandelier through a barred window, destroying it, while people were watching.

Mrs Edwards said: "I lived in London for most of my life and this is worse than I have experienced."

The jewellery haul included a silver dragonfly brooch encrusted with moonstone and amethyst and tiaras.

The raid happened just after midnight last Thursday.

Police are still appealing for information about the crime. They can be contacted on 0845 045 4545.