A CLEVEDON shopkeeper has been left reeling after football memorabilia worth hundreds of pounds was stolen from her store. Over the past three weeks thieves have walked into the Splash Gallery at Old Church Road and snatched signed football shirts and pi

A CLEVEDON shopkeeper has been left reeling after football memorabilia worth hundreds of pounds was stolen from her store.Over the past three weeks thieves have walked into the Splash Gallery at Old Church Road and snatched signed football shirts and pictures worth nearly £500.The first item stolen was a Steven Gerrard signed England football shirt priced at £120, followed by a football picture which had been signed by England captain David Beckham and is worth around £140.Thieves then got in and stole a picture of the Grand Prix, worth £175, which was signed by several Formula One drivers.Owner of the Splash Gallery, Judith Chappell, says this is the first time the shop has been targeted and believes the World Cup tournament has made the items more desirable to thieves.Mrs Chappell said: "The Steven Gerrard signed shirt was in the window as part of our World Cup display."We have never suffered any thefts before, but it seems the thieves walked in, distracted the staff and took off with the goods."It is a real blow to the shop and I have no doubt these items were stolen because of the World Cup being on."Local police have been informed of the thefts and are appealing to anyone with information about the incidents to contact them at Clevedon Police Station, or by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.