The manager of a Biggin Hill florist which was targeted by thieves says those responsible have no idea what damage they have caused.

Lisa Gordon, 38, was left furious when two wooden ornaments were snatched yesterday while a florist was being distracted.

"If we were a big multinational, we could swallow the loss, but this comes straight out of my pocket," Lisa, who has managed The Biggin Hill Florist since last February, said.

It is the second time the handmade ornaments, priced at around £40, have been stolen after a similar burglary in December.

News Shopper:

Lisa was out on deliveries on Thursday (April 4) when a man distracted her shop assistant while another man and a woman unchained the wooden figures from outside.

The timewaster inside suddenly said he needed to go to the bank before running out to his two cronies who all bundled into a car and drove off.

"It always seems to be the little guys who lose out," Lisa said. "After paying my two staff I take very little out of this and people don’t know how much this affects us."

She added small businesses were closing daily and most of her stock comes from Europe, meaning it is an uncertain time.

Lisa said she has spent her life savings acquiring the florist and hopes next time people will think twice.

The passionate owner posted the news on Facebook which inspired a big reaction.

Part of the post read: "You have stolen directly from the pocket of a hardworking individual who not only pays into society but supports the local community where possible.

"I still have to pay my supplier for the items you have stolen, that comes out of my meagre earnings.

"More and more small businesses are closing every day, it is difficult enough to keep going in this economic climate and uncertain times without people stealing from you.

"I’m not expecting you to give a damn about the repercussions of your actions, but hopefully by reading this, anyone thinking of stealing from a small business might change their mind."

Lisa told News Shopper she didn’t want to go on a "mindless rant" and instead wanted people to understand the impact.

The Facebook post attracted a generous response from well-wishers in Biggin Hill.

"I was overwhelmed," Lisa said. "We were absolutely blown away and gobsmacked and we were not expecting that response."

She added: "The guy from the local church popped in last night and insisted on leaving £40 and people were offering to do whip-rounds and cover costs.

"It totally turned around the feeling of the day."

Lisa runs another florist nearer her home of Gravesend and won a good funeral award and best wedding award last year.