THIS is the face of a burglar who stole more than £15,000 worth of designer babywear from a small family run shop. The thief struck at Baby Zoop, in Churchyard, Hitchin, taking the majority of the store s new season stock which had only been in a few week

THIS is the face of a burglar who stole more than £15,000 worth of designer babywear from a small family run shop.

The thief struck at Baby Zoop, in Churchyard, Hitchin, taking the majority of the store's new season stock which had only been in a few weeks.

Now Baby Zoop's devastated owner, Daniel Wombwell, is appealing for members of the public to help identify the culprit.

He has released CCTV images captured in the moments before the burglar turned the cameras away and ransacked the upper floor of the shop.

Mr Wombwell said: "Someone must know something, or will be offered some of our stock which included designer baby clothing brands Catimini, Balu, No Added Sugar, Baby Lulu and Noukies."

The man broke in by cutting his way through the roof of the three-storey building on Sunday, June 11 at 5.30pm.

He was in the shop for over an hour but only left footprints as he was wearing gloves.

He has a tattoo on his right wrist.

Mr Wombwell believes the burglar must have had some prior knowledge of the shop and have carefully planned the crime as it would have been difficult to pinpoint the right place to cut through the roof to get into the store.

Hertfordshire Police has confirmed that its investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Baby Zoop has been open for two years and is run by Mr Wombwell and his wife Aimy.

He said the break-in was "terrible".

"You're trying so hard to create an environment, create a shop, create customer service.

"It's hard enough trying to compete with the massive chains.

"I've built every fitting in the shop by hand," he said.

If you have any information about the burglary ring Hertfordshire Police on 0845 3300 222.

More CCTV images can be seen on www.babyzoop.co.uk