A businesswoman is calling for CCTV to be installed in a Bicester shopping precinct after a thief stole almost £400 from under her nose.

Michelle Niziol, who runs IMS (Independent Mortgage Solutions) in Deans Court, said the thief came into her office on Monday.

He asked Mrs Niziol to look up some information on the Internet, but while she was distracted he stole a packet containing £391.10 cash and £590 cheques.

It was only after the man had left the store she realised the money – destined for Elim Church Bicester – had gone. Police have appealed for witness to the incident at about 9.30am.

The man has been described as slim, Asian, about 5ft 8in, in his 30s, wearing a blue baseball cap, dark jeans and tracksuit top.

Mortgage broker Mrs Niziol, 28, had been counting the church’s cash ready to take it to the bank as a one-off favour.

She said: “The shop owners around here are livid. They can’t believe it has happened to me as I’m the only one who doesn’t keep cash.

“I feel like I have been targeted. Everyone is trying to say it’s opportunistic but he didn’t enter any other shops at all.”

The man entered her shop twice that morning, the first time asking her, in broken English, to photocopy something, but she directed him to the High Street.

He returned minutes later and was more aggressive, telling her to look for something on the Internet.

The cheques have since been cancelled.

She now plans to install new security equipment including a buzzer entry system, an alarm and CCTV.

Witnesses can call police on 08458 505505.