A FAMILY business in Wellington has been robbed today after the owner left the till vacant to go to the toilet.

Mary's Attic is a business that recycles and repurposes antique and vintage items, opened up in April of last year.

The family business was robbed of £60 today as the owner said they "popped to the loo" before returning to an empty cash register.

Known as a small independent business, Mary's Attic has gone from strength to strength since its opening.

Owner Sher Frendo quit her job at Coffee #1 in 2021 to take up the reclamation work full-time in 2023.

Revealing her distress at what happened today, the owner of Mary's Attic has revealed she is "truly gutted" after being robbed today (September 25, 2024).

The owner said: "Unfortunately due to theft from my till today of £60 going forward I shall be locking my door when I nip to the loo.

"My till does have a bell, however, they got around that by lifting the top up and helping themselves.

"My till is an antique till so not secure, my own fault I guess. So until we have been able to buy a more secure till the door will be locked.

"I’m sorry I’m having to do this but working alone I can see no other way. The £60 they took was literally a couple of sales this morning because I cash up every day and leave minimal cash in my till.

"Apologises in advance if this affects any of my customers, if you find the door locked during my opening hours, I’ve literally nipped to the loo!

"Truly gutted. It’s hard enough being a small business right now without this."