A shopkeeper has been left “annoyed” after their bench was stolen from outside.

Staff at the Kings Langley Barbers Shop in Waterside noticed it was missing this morning (September 18) at around 10.30am.

Clare Smith, who has owned the barbers six years, said the theft has left the small independent business in a predicament.

Watford Observer: The bench is described as black and metal. The bench is described as black and metal. (Image: Clare Smith)She said: “When I realised it had gone, I felt annoyed. I know it’s a trivial thing, because it’s a bench, but it rocks the village a bit when there is crime around.

“I’m now thinking about not having a bench because a replacement could cost between £50-£70, and what happens if it is stolen again.”

It is the third bench that has been outside the shop in the last six years. The first had to be replaced due to becoming rusty and the second was damaged when a car crashed into it during lockdown.

It is described as black and metal with an open back that has leaves etched into it.

But not having it could have a negative impact on staff and members of the community.

Ms Smith said: “We are in a listed building and it is a small shop. We don’t have a staff room so we either eat our lunch in our cars or sit outside and enjoy the weather when it is nice.

“Sometimes elderly customers or people who are not able-bodied sit on the bench too.”

Ms Smith said she last saw the seat at around 5.30pm on Saturday, September 16, when she closed the shop, which has been a barber since 1939.

She said: “People don’t realise how much money it costs for small businesses to keep replacing things when they are stolen. 

"We used to take the bench and the boards inside, but they are too heavy."

To try and locate it she searched the area but to no avail. She said: “If it is brought back, I doubt it will be in one piece.”

Police confirmed they were called at 11.45am today to reports that a bench had been stolen from outside the shop.

Anyone with information can contact the force on 101, quoting ISR 317 of 18 September.