A CONTROVERSIAL sex shop opened for its first day of trading despite a burglary over the weekend.

The Secret Desires store on the Britannia Industrial Estate, Pengam, was burgled between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday.

Thieves stole more than £5,000 worth of goods which included a quantity of adult toys, DVDs and PVC clothing.

The gang responsible also caused several thousand pounds worth of damage by breaking into the store.

It was a set back for a store that was only granted a full trading licence last week by Caerphilly county borough council.

Mick Bushell, who co-owns the store with Derek Bartle, said the damage and the loss of stock over the weekend failed to delay the first day of trading yesterday.

"It is through sheer determination their actions haven't stopped us," said Mr Bushell.

"At least £5,000 worth of stock was taken and with the damage caused to the front of the premises the bill could run to £8,000. It has caused us a bit of aggravation but we have had our first customers through the door and there is money in the till.

"It won't happen again because we have increased security. I just hope the people responsible are caught soon."

It is not the first obstacle presented to Mr Bushell and Mr Bartle who faced local opposition when their plans to establish the shop were first revealed.

Mr Bushell said: "There have been some objections to it in the area but there has also been some positive feedback.

"We respect people's views and if they don't like it then fine, they don't have to come here. If people want to be offended then they would have to go out of their way to be offended because we are on an industrial estate. "This shop is going to be here for a long time to come."

PC Darren Smith, from Blackwood police station, said: "It is believed that at least four people were responsible for the burglary. Some DVDs, adult toys and 'honour' PVC skirts and trousers went missing."

Anyone with information is asked to call Blackwood police station on 01495 223673.