A GUTTED Greenock shop owner has hit out at the criminals who targeted her business and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Mum-of-three Janette Porteous is counting the cost of a break-in at A&J’s Party Plan-it on Union Street late on Sunday night.

The thieves crashed a large plant pot from the dental practice next door through one of the windows to gain entry and then rummaged through the premises before making off with around £60 from the till.

The incident forced the Braeside businesswoman to close the shop yesterday — meaning she lost out on a day’s takings — and she is now expecting a bill for hundreds of pounds for a new window.

Janette, 40, says it is not only an attack on her business but also on her livelihood and family.

She said: “The cost and the inconvenience is the biggest thing but I’m angry that someone would do this — how dare they?

“I’m more mad than anything else.

“I practically live here and that’s what makes it so maddening because it’s my life and my source of income for me and my family.

“They don’t think about the fact it’s taking money off my kids.

“I’ve also lost a whole day’s takings and I’m waiting to find out the cost of repairs.”

The break-in took place between 11 and 11.30pm on Sunday night and happened at what should be a time of celebration for Janette.

She said: “I’ve been here four years this week.

“The shop opened on November 1 but I got the keys mid-October and did some work first before opening.”

Janette says she has been overwhelmed by the amount of support she has received since the break-in.

She said: “I’ve been inundated with messages of support and help.

“It’s nice to know people care.”

Anyone who witnessed the break-in or has information about it is urged to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.