A HEARTLESS thief smashed into a Westcliff restaurant and stole more than £500 of stock on Christmas Day leaving the owner “heartbroken”.

Echo: Suspect - crookSuspect - crook (Image: Stoked)

Billy Reeve’s, 34, joyous Christmas was flipped upside down after he was made aware of the sickening act at Stoked Vegan BBQ at 7.30pm.

Expensive alcohol and a tip jar were all pinched by the crook after the door was forced open, leaving a gaping hole in the glass panelling.

Echo: Damaged - glass panelling in front door Damaged - glass panelling in front door (Image: Google Maps)

Now, Mr Reeve and a handful of staff have been left to clear up the mess and board up the door to ensure it is safe for customers, who returned to the London Road restaurant on Wednesday.

He said: “I’m shocked and heartbroken by what’s happened.

“It’s my own business, and it feels very personal that someone has smashed into something I created and worked so hard to achieve.

“I feel completely violated.

“I found out about the break-in at 7.30pm on Christmas Day by a neighbour’s, next door to Stoked, daughter who DM’d me through Facebook.

“I quickly went down to the restaurant and saw all of the mess, which left me saddened.

Echo: The Stoked Vegan BBQ team with the boarded up doorThe Stoked Vegan BBQ team with the boarded up door (Image: Stoked Vegan BBQ)

“The person took all of our expensive alcohol, such as wines and spirits, as well as our tip jar.

“They also tried looking for the cash draw but thankfully, we don’t have one.

“Even though it was devastating, I remained calm and started clearing up with a handful of my staff to open on Wednesday evening, which wasn’t planned.”

In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe was set up by regular customer Matt Sheern, whose crowdfunder was targeting £3,000.

Echo: Appeal - GoFundMe imageAppeal - GoFundMe image (Image: GoFundMe)

Now, the aim has been exceeded by £615, for which Mr Reeve is “speechless and grateful” for.

Also, regular customers wanted to come down and help the business, which is why the 34-year-old decided to open up on Wednesday evening.

He added: “The fact people have donated to help us get back on our feet is amazing, and I can never thank them all enough.

“The GoFundMe had only been going for 24 hours, and the target was already beaten, which is incredible.”

To donate, visit: gofundme.com/f/stoked-vegan-bbq-needs-our-help.