Thieves set charity shop on fire after breaking in
STAFF and volunteers at a Trafford charity say they have been left heartbroken after thieves broke into their fundraising shop and set it alight before fleeing.
Firefighters had to rush and extinguish the blaze which was started by the intruders at the shop in Stretford Mall on Monday night.
Bosses say they now fear all their donated stock may have been ruined by smoke damage as they urge anyone with information to contact police.
The break-in at the Re: Love & Care Charity Shop situated inside the mall, is said to have occurred around 11pm.
The store is run by, and raises vital funds for, Trafford Carers Centre which provides respite and support for the unpaid carers in the borough.
Burglars gained access to the shop by breaking a glass panel on an external door with three people visible on CCTV footage moving around inside afterwards they say.
Damage was caused to the door and internal shutters during the break-in during which it is believed they gained access to a neighbouring unit. An iPad is amongst the items said to be missing afterwards.
Thousands of pounds worth of stock is now at also at risk after a fire broke out shortly after the intruders left.
The charity’s chief executive Michelle Grogan said damage from the flames was ‘remarkably minimal’ however she said the shop filled with smoke leaving the entire store badly smoke-logged.
She said: “Use of our service is heavy at the moment as lots of carers aren’t getting respite and are really struggling.
“And the shop is a big part of our fundraising especially for our wellbeing services. Having to stay closed for so long after the past few months has already had a big impact so this is certainly something we could really have done without.
“Thankfully no money had been left on site but there is a real risk we could lose all our stock.
“Thankfully the fire brigade were here quickly and extinguished it. We’re working with our insurers to see what we may be able to salvage. But it’s just hearbreaking.”
The charity says it has handed the CCTV footage, which survived the blaze, over to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) who are investigating.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.