But Steve Jaksetic found himself in that unenviable position on Saturday morning when he arrived to open for business and found that his premises had been raided by thieves.

The owner of Aussie Mantiques and Collectables in East Albury said the feeling he had as he realised his business had been robbed was one he has never experienced before.

He believes the thieves made off with about $4000 worth of goods, carting the haul away in a blue vintage pram that Mr Jaksetic had been given by a family friend.

The break-in left Mr Jaksetic, who runs the business with wife Melanie, no choice but to shut up shop for the weekend as they await the arrival of forensic police to investigate on Monday.

Despite the fact that the business does its best trade at weekends, including interstate visitors, Mr Jaksetic said he did not want to compromise the scene and any evidence that may assist police.

And he is hopeful that the perpetrators left plenty for police in the way of evidence after they riffled through “every drawer”.

“I’d rather lose two days in trading and have the best possible chance of getting these guys through the fingerprints,” he said.

Mr Jaksetic would be hopeful that the arrest of the party or parties concerned may result in the return of his stolen stock. But whatever happens, he will still be out of pocket having lost a weekend’s worth of trade. But despite the “kick in the guts” that the burglary must no doubt feel like, Mr Jaksetic has been able to find a silver lining to the less than pleasant experience.

Other businesses and antiques traders from across the area have rallied to support him. From Wagga to Shepparton, business owners have come forward to let him know they will be keeping an eye out for anyone trying to dispose of the stolen goods.

Among the stolen items carried away in the pram were a tin tugboat toy and a mink fur, items that should raise some suspicion if someone attempts to sell them on.

But with word of mouth moving like a wildfire with the click of a button on Facebook and other social media sites, businesses and individuals can make the task of disposing of any of the stolen goods difficult, if not impossible. Let’s go forth and spread the word.