Thieves target hospice shop
A charity boss said they have been left devastated after a break-in to one of their shops.
Crooks left a trail of broken glass and destruction after smashing into the front door of a hospice shop in Ayr earlier this month.
Considerable damage was also caused to a cabinet which was raided and some pottery stolen from the Ayrshire Hospice shop.
Thankfully, no cash was taken with staff emptying the till on a daily basis.
Bosses at Ayrshire Hospice say they were “shocked and upset” after the overnight attack on their Crown Street store which has cost them thousands.
The charity which supports local people living with life limiting illnesses say the cost of the raid to their organisation is in excess of £5000.
Carla MacEwan, chief executive of the hospice, said: “We were shocked and upset to learn that our shop in Ayr had been broken into.
“We’ve needed to replace the front door and lost valuable Saturday income as well as some beautiful pottery that was in the glass display cabinet which was destroyed too.”
Ms MacEwan has heaped praise on voluntary staff who ensured the store was only closed for one day.
She said: “Our retail team have worked incredibly hard to ensure we only lost one day’s trading and I’d like to thank them for their incredible efforts which meant we could reopen on Sunday.
“The Ayrshire Hospice plays an important part in supporting people living with life limiting illness and our shops provide much needed income.
“The support we have received from the people of Ayrshire since last Saturday has very much reminded us all of the special place the hospice has in the hearts and minds of Ayrshire folks.”
Police have appealed for information following the break in at the Ayrshire Hospice shop.
Witnesses should call 101, quoting 8887, or alternatively telephone Crimestoppers on 0800555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.