Greenock businessman says he feels 'sick to the stomach' after a thief broke into his premises in broad daylight

The break-in happened just before 8pm on Sunday evening at car valet firm Angelwax Detailing in Bogston Lane.

Owner Craig Nelson said the brazen thief smashed a window to get inside before fleeing with between £1,200 and £1,500 in cash and a Sony Alpha A200 DSLR camera.

The 32-year-old told the Tele: "I'm in disbelief.

"I'm as sick as pig about it.

"I couldn't sleep after it..

"The guy took our weekly intake, which pays the staff and pays our bills.

"It's had a big impact."

Craig, who works seven days a week, said the building was locked up but one member of staff was in the workshop with his ear phones when the culprit struck.

He said: "One of the guys was still through in the workshop but he had his earphones in.

"He stayed back to work on his own car.

"It's frightening to think what would've happened if he had disturbed the thief."

Craig suspects the thief is someone who has been on the premises before.

He added: "We must've served him as he knew where he was going and what he was looking for."

Craig says the police are analysing CCTV footage taken from the building and are following up a potential lead suggesting that the camera was cashed in at a local shop.

A Co-op bag believed to have been used by the thief was also found nearby.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Greenock police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.