A Highgate trader said his business has been pushed to the brink of collapse after thieves swiped thousands of pounds of cash and stock.

Thieves are believed to have prised open the metal shutters of the Highgate Plus grocers in Archway Road, before smashing open the glass door and crawling into the shop.

Owner Adhir Das, 50, who rushed to shop when the alarm was raised at 5.30am on Sunday morning, said he was “devastated”.

“It is very upsetting, it has pushed my business to the brink,” he said.

“They took all my Saturday night takings and I am going to have to get a loan from the bank to cover it

“I am going to have to cuts the hours my staff work and I’m not paying myself – I owe all the money to the bank.”

The father-of three, who bought the shop eight years ago, said he wanted to set up business in Highgate because it was a safe. But the break-in has made him reassess.

Anyone with information is asked to call Haringey’s burglary squad on 020 8345 0886 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.