A city centre retailer is threatening to quit Bradford after being targeted by criminals for a third time in 12 months.

Munawar Hussain, 41, has run Beauty & Fragrance in James Street for two years after signing up to a 15-year tenancy.

But he insists will be gone at the end of the obligation to honour the first five years of the agreement because vandals are going uncaught.

The father-of-four, of Clayton, said he was having sleepless nights since the break-in in the early hours of Sunday.

A hole had been smashed through the shopfront’s shatterproof glass for thieves to reach in and snatch perfume and aftershave. Mr Hussain said that up to £1,800 in goods was taken, including Britney Spears branded gift sets, David Beckham, Armani and Diesel aftershave, and Sunflower, Playboy and White Diamonds perfume.

Mr Hussain said last July vandals tampered with the shop door and daubed racist graffiti on the windows. More insulting messages were found sprayed on the shop front a month later, he said.

Mr Hussain said: “I have to honour the lease for five years. After that I’m off. I’m leaving Bradford city centre because I’m struggling very hard for trade as it is and there is not enough protection.”

He believed the thieves must have spent up to an hour breaking the hole in the window.

Mr Hussain is a member of Bradford City Centre Beat, the crime-reduction partnership of 150 city centre businesses.

Partnership manager Steve Baker said the incident was a rarity.

He said: “I have complete sympathy for Mr Hussain. I can’t understand why this shop has been targeted and not others.”

Inspector Kevin Pickles, of Bradford City Ward Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Overall, recorded crime in the city centre has reduced following efforts of the local neighbourhood policing team and city centre beat.

“I shall ensure that this incident is investigated thoroughly and all leads are followed up. A Crime Reduction Officer will be visiting the premises and assist to ensure there are no repeats.”

Bob Parker, Bradford city centre operations manager, said: “These are challenging times for all traders, so I was sorry to hear about the incident at the Fragrance & Beauty shop.

“Over the past few years we have seen a significant reduction in business related crime through partnership working, but this incident is a reminder that we cannot be complacent and must remain vigilant at all times.”

Anyone with any information about the break-in, which occurred at around 4am on Sunday, should contact West Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060606.