A shop owner in Norwich has been left "overwhelmed" after the front door of her store was smashed.
Susan Rudling, who runs the Handmade Gifts and Gallery shop in Anglia Square, was woken in the night to reports of damage to her shop front.
A security guard on duty spotted the damage on CCTV at 4am on Monday (March 6) and alerted Ms Rudling.
"There was glass everywhere inside, it was a real struggle to get the door open because there was glass in every corner of the shop," Ms Rudling said.
"It's obviously a bit of a worry because it becomes a security issue for the shop, I've packed everything away safely but it does make you stop and think."
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The shop sells handmade arts and crafts items made by local creators and has been instrumental in raising awareness in Norwich for those with autism and ASD.
The 47-year-old said it took 10 years to get her son diagnosed with autism and she spent a lot of that time “trying to fit into society's boxes”, which prompted her to create a community hub in Norwich for parents and SEN children.
But the damage at her shop, which police are investigating, has left her struggling with the consequences.
She added: "With the rising costs of everything it's just something else on top of everything to deal with, small businesses are struggling as it is.
"It's not a personal attack but it feels like one, it's probably accidental, but it does make you feel overwhelmed and a bit lost."
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