A BOURNEMOUTH charity shop was broken into causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The Waggy Tails Rescue store in Charminster Road was targeted at around 11.30pm on Tuesday, March 20.

Although nothing of real worth was taken during the incident, the back door was completely destroyed after the raider took 25 minutes to break it down.

A suspect was captured on the shop's CCTV during the incident.

Shelagh Meredith, chairman of Waggy Tails Rescue, believed the door would cost around £400 to replace.

She said: “We are always happy to help where we can, and give support to the homeless who have dogs with food and veterinary services if requested.

“So it is sad that we are going to have to find the money for a new door when so little was stolen. “Unfortunately it is not a standard door - wider and heavy so very expensive and not available from stock anywhere.”

Items stolen included jewellery that was on display, bric-a-brac and a few items from the kitchen above the shop.

A collection tin containing around £20 was also stolen.

“It’s just a charity shop. What is there to take? If they’d have wanted the stuff I would have just given it to them.”

Shelagh said there had been two attempted break-ins at a neighbouring flower shop within the past two weeks.

“And, of course, it’s worrying for the five shops in the block.

“The lady at the florist rang the manager at about 8am who called the police.

“The police already knew about the break-in at 4.45am and boarded up the door.”

The shop was able to reopen for business by lunchtime on Wednesday.

Shelagh added: “It’s the first time the shop’s been targeted, hopefully the last.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said the break in was reported at 4.56am on Wednesday, March 21. Jewellery, a phone and a charity box were reported stolen.

Officers attended and carried out initial enquiries.

No arrests have been made and enquiries remain ongoing.