Market Drayton's Sue Ryder charity shop raided by thieves

Burglars targeted the Sue Ryder store on Chester Street, Market Drayton, breaking the front door and stealing £61 in cash.

The break-in is thought to have happened sometime overnight on Wednesday into yesterday.

Assistant manager Nicky McDaid said the cash box and float had been taken.

She said: "The front door has been completely ruined – we are going to need a new one.

"They have also taken the cash box and till tray with the float. This has the keys to the till so we cannot use that any more.

"It was horrible to walk in and see such a mess.

"It was reported by a passer by at about 1.20am who saw the door was wide open.

"The police then came to secure the premises and we have had forensics here getting as much information as possible.

"We are hoping the CCTV in the area will give some clues to who did this.

"We are absolutely devastated and feel disgusted by what has happened."

The Sue Ryder shop was last broken into in 2014. That time thieves broken in through the toilet window and took about £60 in cash.

They also took a box of new stationery and a blue donation box.

Since then staff installed metal bars on the toilet windows and bolted the back door.

Before that the store was last broken into in 2011, when £200 was stolen.

Emily Dixon, organisational communications assistant for West Mercia Police, said: "Police were called shortly before 12.55am yesterday to report a burglary at a charity shop on Cheshire Street, Market Drayton.

"The offenders forced entry to the premises and a quantity of cash was taken."

Earlier this month, thieves stole a fundraising box which was being used to collect cash for Hilbrae Rescue Kennels' charity shop in Dawley, Telford.

There was about £30 in the collection box and staff said they had been left "devastated" by the incident.

Anyone with information has been urged to call West Mercia Police on 101 or pass on details anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.