A woman went to the toilet in an antique shop's wicker basket and used two Victorian christening gowns to clean herself.
The bizarre incident left the Holt shop manager shocked and police are investigating.
Philip Morris, owner of Cottage Collectables on Fish Hill, was away when the offence happened on Monday September 8 between 11.30-11.45am but was told about it by a woman looking after the shop.
He said: 'It was a shock to hear the news. It is very rare and has never happened here before.'
Mr Morris said it was understood the culprit was middle aged and was not a local resident.
The damage was done in the corner of a small back room when other customers were in the store.
Cottage Collectables was closed for a couple of hours after the incident and the two Victorian christening gowns were worth £28 each. The basket was worth £33.
There is no CCTV in the store.
Any witnesses should contact Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.
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