A popular independent business in High Wycombe has been burgled.

Ruby Moon, which is situated along Castle Street, was illegally entered by either one person or a group of people in the evening of Tuesday, November 19 after the store had closed.

Several items were stolen which included hair dye, incense, bongs, hats, crystal bracelets and necklaces, sunglasses and silver rings and earrings.

The shop announced via their Facebook page about the intrusion, where they were met with an outpouring wave of sympathy from customers.

Co-founder Matt Moon told the Free Press: “It’s a real pain in the a**e but we’re trying to make light of it despite the fact it was a considerable amount of stuff they took.

“It made me laugh they took hair dye which we sell for about £6.

“The amount they took would have taken us two/three months to sell.

“It won’t be easy for them to sell.

“With that being said, the timing has not been great.

“At the end of November, we lay out all our cash on stock and we still have more to get.

“November is also our VAT quarter, so I have just spent money on a VAT bill.

“We are also up on spending at the end of November just before Christmas, and the people who came took half of our stock.

“They also took ornaments.

“They just ransacked as they took whatever they had their eyes on.”

Despite the huge setback just weeks before Christmas, many people in High Wycombe have clubbed together to help the business which recently celebrated its 26th anniversary.

A GoFundMe page has been launched and within a week, £1,140 has been raised for its £1,200 target.

Numerous positive comments have been left on their social media channels, and it is hoped they can recoup some of their lost earnings from the burglary before the festive period begins through their loyal customers.

Jemma Jolliffe, who is Ruby Moon’s shop manager added: “They took the door off – they completely destroyed it but the response we have had has been overwhelming.

“The money was raised almost immediately and we had someone come in to fit it in for us.

“Apart from paying for the materials needed, he took no money whatsoever.

“He said he wanted to do us a favour.

“He helped us off his own back.

“Every cloud has a silver lining and the people of High Wycombe have been so lovely.”

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/help-ruby-moon-replace-stolen-stock.