Burglars target another charity shop

CHARITY shop staff have been left ‘devastated’ after they became the latest to be targeted by thieves, who stole cash and donations.

Burglars smashed their way into Headway, on Cheadle High Street, some time between closing at 5pm on Saturday and Monday morning when the store reopened.

Once inside the thieves got into the shop safe and stole cash and donations for a raffle together worth £400.

It is the latest charity to fall victim to a spate of break-ins over the last three months that police have described as ‘despicable.’

Jane Crocker, shop manager, said: “We are all absolutely devastated. The damage posed a health and safety risk so we were forced to close the store and lose a full morning’s business. It is difficult to believe that someone could be so cruel as to vandalise and steal from a charity shop.

“It’s even more disheartening to think that the broken door and safe will have to be replaced with money that could – and should – have been spent on helping people who are affected by brain injury.

“Our customers have be so supportive and we are determined to bounce back from this demoralising incident.”

The charity, which helps people with brain injuries, is appealing for people to help it get back on its feet.

Jane added: “We have reopened and are appealing to anyone who would like to support us by volunteering or donating some now much-needed stock.”

The Beechwood Cancer Care shop, on Bramhall Lane South, in Bramhall, had cash and costume jewellery worth £600 stolen in a raid that was discovered on Monday, March 13.

Among others to be targeted are the Barnardo’s store, on Market Street, Marple and the Oxfam on Princes Street, Stockport town centre.

A foodbank on Higher Hillgate, town centre, was also broken into between May 9 at 4pm and May 10 at 1pm.

A police spokesman said: “It is a despicable act to break into a charity shop and then steal from it.

“These places are run by volunteers who rely on donations. The last thing they need is for it to be stolen.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To help Headway call Jane on 428 9459.