An independent shop in Ipswich has closed temporarily, with its owner left exploring his options after over £600 worth of stock was stolen.

Essential Vintage on Eagle Street has been the victim of theft since January, with stock being stolen on a regular basis.

Essential Vintage opened its premises almost a year ago, after previously being in Ipswich Microshops.

Josh Byworth, owner of the company, said: "I run a small independent shop, it's not like a big corporation, £600 is a lot of money.

Ipswich Star: The vintage shop has been victim of thefts over the past few months. Credit: NewsquestThe vintage shop has been victim of thefts over the past few months. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

"I am sort of looking at what is next for the shop after more theft on April 23, but that has made me no longer want to be at the shop.

"My mental health has taken a battering and I no longer feel safe.

"I really don't want to shut but I don't see another option."

The shop is on a bell system but due to its size, cannot accommodate a security system on the door. 

Mr Byworth added with it the store being independent, there is only normally one person working at a time, with alternative security measures proving more expensive.

Mr Byworth continued: "Unfortunately it seems to be the same minority of people.

"I have contacted the police, and sent over CCTV footage, clearly showing the people's faces.

"It's all planned the thefts, I have people coming in, scouting what they want, and then a couple days later someone else coming in and taking it.

"I'm left thinking about what's actually going to be done.

"I fear with the number of times I have brought this up, and nothing being done since it first started in January, I feel Ipswich will soon be lost."

Ipswich Star: MP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte BondMP Tom Hunt, Tim Passmore, Josh Byworth and Inspector Domenic Mann. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Inspector Domenic Mann said: "We take all shoplifting reports seriously.

"We work very closely with the street rangers and security around town to identify offenders and will always look to take positive action wherever possible, regardless of the value of items stolen.

"Business owners who would like more advice on security can view the First Principle page on our website for advice on theft from shops, security tips for small businesses and commercial CCTV advice.

"There you can run through security self-assessments.”