A THIEF stole cash and donations from a charity shop in Southbourne.

The offender broke into Help & Care’s store in Southbourne Grove in the early hours of Friday, October 13.

Manager Lesley Derrick said it was not the first time thieves had hit the store. Last June, a shoplifter stole a telescope worth £150.

“I am so shocked that anybody would steal from a charity shop that helps local people in Dorset. It’s devastating and really demoralising for our staff and volunteers when incidents like this happen.”

Help & Care is a charity based in Bournemouth which supports people living with a health condition, unpaid carers and older people in Dorset to live independently for as long as possible. Help & Care’s only shop was opened in 2014 in partnership with Oakhaven Hospice Trust.

Mark Sharman, chief executive of Help & Care, said: “I’m horrified that anyone could stoop so low as to steal from a local charity. We’re not a wealthy organisation, we’re a local charity that relies on the goodwill of people in the community and the hard work of our staff and volunteers.

“The loss of last Friday will definitely affect us, and we will have to use funds to repair and secure the shop that were meant to help people and communities.”