Exclusive by Alan Quick
CREDITON police officers are investigating a break-in to a town charity shop, during which the shop’s safe was stolen.
The police are also investigating a large number of attempted break-ins to shops and other premises in the town.
“There has also been one burglary where the property was entered and money taken.
“We are investigating the crimes and have been talking with shop owners. As a result a number of CCTV and witness enquiries are being undertaken.
“We believe the crimes on Monday, December 4 took place between 9.30pm and 11.50pm and it is possible that members of the public may have seen something when passing through the town.
“If you think you have information please contact us via the 101 telephone number. If you see any suspicious activity or believe there is a crime in progress, please call 999.”
CHARITY SHOP
It was about a year ago that the Brainwave children’s charity shop was broken-into, but on this occasion, during the night of Sunday, December 3, the safe was taken from the shop.
Edith Parker, manager, at the Crediton Brainwave charity shop, which supports children across the UK, said: “The back-door to the shop was forced and the safe was taken.
“I arrived for work on the Monday morning and when I walked into the shop I could tell that there had been a break-in and immediately got out and contacted the police.
“It is a smack in the face for the people who donate to charities like ours.
“It is stealing from people that need the money.
“Why anyone would want to steal from a charity shop is beyond me as we only sell items from 50p to £7.50?
“It must be people with no morals.
“I have been around to all the other charity shops nearby and the police have been to see us.
“I know that the person, or however many it was, tried to get into a number of other businesses nearby as well that night.”
Brainwave was started in 1982 and has worked with families to deliver individual home-based therapy and exercise programmes that help children with disabilities and Developmental Delay to achieve their potential.
BURGLAR DISTURBED
The following night, Monday December 4, a man was disturbed trying to break-into the Hospiscare charity shop across the road from the Brainwave charity shop.
One of the staff at the Hospiscare shop said: “A neighbour heard something drop at about 9.30pm on the Monday evening.
“She looked out but couldn’t see anything but then heard noises again and went to look.
“The lady was in her pyjamas and not wearing any shoes but went out and shouted and scared off a lad, she believed aged between 16 and 20 years.
“She stopped him trying to get in but we think both doors were tried with a crowbar.
“Fortunately nothing was stolen this time.”
Police were swiftly on the scene and a dog unit was also used to try to track down the suspect.
Hospiscare is a local charity, providing free, high-quality care and support to people with a progressive life-limiting illness, and those close to them in Exeter, East and Mid Devon.
All the businesses and charity shops said that often the amount of damage caused, even if nothing is taken, can cost businesses and charities a lot of money in repairs.
As well as shops off Crediton High Street, an attempt was made to gain access into the Boniface Centre and businesses nearby in East Street.
PCSO Payne re-iterated her appeal that if anyone sees anyone acting suspiciously, to please contact the police using the 999 number if there is any suspicious activity or a crime is in progress.
You can also use the 101 telephone number or, alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, use the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.
• It was on December 14 last year that it is believed someone hid in the Hospiscare charity shop and stole cash after breaking into the locked office and causing damage amounting to more than £1,000. In total the costs were more than £2,500.
Also that night last year, the safe was broken into at Brainwave charity shop and £450 was taken.
Last year a JustGiving page was set up to raise money for Hospiscare.
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