A POPULAR music shop in Wellington has had thousands of pounds worth of stock stolen just days before it was set to reopen.

John Packer Ltd, which is based in Chelston Business Park, has been closed during lockdown but the firm has said it will still go ahead with reopening on Monday (June 15.)

The theft happened at some point between 5pm on Friday, June 5 and 9.20am on Monday, June 8.

More than 30 instruments were stolen from the shop including saxophones, clarinets and flutes.

In a statement posted on their website on Monday (June 8), a spokesperson for John Packer said the warehouse had been 'ransacked' and woodwind instruments were targeted.

"Staff going into work made the upsetting discovery that we'd been burgled at the weekend with a significant number of instruments taken," the spokesperson said.

"Thieves broke in through the fabric of the building and parts of the warehouse were ransacked.

"Most instruments were taken without cases and only woodwind instruments were targeted.

"Police have been informed about the theft and serial numbers have been passed on.

"While we are obviously very saddened by this event, it will not prevent us from reopening next Monday, June 15.

"We thank all our customers for their continued support."

The firm has posted a full list of the instruments which were stolen on their website - www.johnpacker.co.uk/news/warehouse-burglary

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "We received a report of a burglary at a shop in Summerfield Avenue, Wellington, on Monday (June 8).

"It is believed to have occurred between 5pm on Friday 5 June and 9.20am on Monday 8 June.

"Property was stolen from the store.

"Anyone with information about what happened can report it online or call 101 and give the call-handler reference 5220124416."