Cruel thieves raid charity shop
SHOCKED charity shop staff arrived at their store to find thieves had broken in to empty the till and collection tin.
The break-in happened at the Sue Ryder premises, on Church Road, Gatley, some time after 5pm on Wednesday, January 9.
It was discovered as those who work in the shop arrived the next morning at around 9am.
Damage was caused to the door and cash stolen from the store, whose funds help people who are terminally ill and bereaved relatives.
Eleanor Knight, shop manager, said: “It was a shock to arrive at our shop this morning to find that it had been broken into overnight. Breaking into a shop is one thing, and another when it’s one that for nearly 28 years has supported a charity’s care for people facing a terminal illness, a complex neurological condition or the loss of a loved one.
“Luckily the door damage will be covered by insurance, and as the till had been emptied as usual before we shut yesterday, and the donation tin not long emptied, very little money was actually stolen – but it’s the principle.”
The shop, which sells second hand clothes, accessories, homeware and books, was shut for that day.
It means that as well as the costs of the break-in there was also the loss of takings that hit the charity.
Now staff are appealing for donations from the public to help make up this shortfall.
Eleanor added: “When you consider that the shop was closed until we get the till fixed, we’re looking at a loss of takings that could have covered two visits from a Sue Ryder community nurse.
“We’d love to be able to make up this shortfall, and so to help recoup lost funds we’re appealing for some extra donations, such as high quality items of clothing.”
The burglary has been reported to the police who visited the shop.
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Donations can be dropped off at the shop which is at 49 Church Road - for more information or to volunteer call 491 4503.