Appeal after burglars cause damage costing thousands at charity shop
“LOW life burglars” have caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to a charity shop that raises money to rescue unwanted pets.
Despite the Maesteg store stocking only donated secondhand toys, jewellery, clothes and ornaments, it seems to be favoured by thieves who even ripped the burglar alarm off the wall in their latest attack.
One intruder also left behind a pile of human excrement for volunteers to clean up during a previous break in.
The situation is now so bad at the Maesteg Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) shop on Church Street, that charity bosses want to raise £1,000 to install a security fence.
MAWS chairman Jayne Isaac said: “When will they learn that no money is ever left on the premises overnight and that our stock consists mainly of secondhand clothes and bric-a-brac – not items that any drug addict can easily sell for cash.
“Leave us alone to get on with the work we do rescuing and rehoming hundreds of unwanted dogs and cats each year. And everyone who works for us is unpaid and gives their time freely.”
The charity shop has been targeted a few times, with burglars damaging the shop’s shed during a burglary last autumn, during which the intruder also relieved himself on the floor.
It cost the charity £1,000 to replace the shed.
And, after other attempts to get in, volunteers have resorted to putting a notice on the back door stating that no money is kept in the premises overnight, but it has not deterred the thieves.
During the latest breakin on March 16, the back door and shed lock were broken. The burglar alarm was also hit off the wall.
Jayne said: “We are appealing for help from the public with the cost of replacing these items as the more we have to pay out for this, the less money there will be for the animals.
“It is very disappointing that once again we have been targeted by low lifes who think nothing of breaking into a charity shop.
“While we get superb support from the people of the Llynfi Valley and beyond, we are always having to contend with the actions of an anti-social, selfish and criminal minority. Is it possible for these people to sink any lower?”
A police spokesman said: “Police in Maesteg are investigating a burglary of a charity shop on Church Street which occurred some time between 12.15am and 8.45am on Thursday, March 16.
“Access was forced into the shop via the back door
“The culprit(s) made an untidy search of the property and some small change was taken from the till, as well as several watches, costume jewellery, rings and bracelets.
“Officers investigating the incident are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything in the area or have any information which may assist them to contact South Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and quote reference 1700099267.”