The break-in at Mortgage Choice in High Street came a week after a mystery gunman fired a shot from a high-powered firearm into the window of a locksmith’s premises next door.

And Philip Penfold, the owner of Mortgage Choice, said he feared crime in the area was getting worse.

“I came into the office this morning to find a note from police saying they had been here about 2am,’’ Mr Penfold said.

“Then I noticed all the cords from my computer had been ripped out and the computer was missing,’’ he said.

“Back in the office, I found drawers had been ripped open, my chequebook had been taken out and there was a mess everywhere.

“Even a little jar containing coins was missing.

“They entered by kicking the front door open, breaking the locks.

“Last week when I came to work, I saw a bullet hole in the window of the Maitland Locksmith next door.

“The bullet went through the window with some force and struck a wooden structure inside the shop.

“I think it had been fired by a high-powered weapon, and this is very concerning.

“I have been in business here now for less than a year and there was a bullet hole in my front door when I came here,’’ Mr Penfold said.

There had also been an attempt to get into his office through the back door.

“About two months ago, someone tried to lever their way in through the back door,’’ Mr Penfold said.

“But they were unable to get in because a tyre lever barred their way.

“I am concerned about crime in this area because I think things are getting worse.’’

A police spokesman said the break-in at Mortgage Choice and other issues were being investigated.

“But we have no evidence that crime is getting worse in the East Maitland area,’’ the spokesman said.