TRUSTEES at a Crediton charity which helps elderly in the area say they are “absolutely devastated” after a break-in during the early hours of this morning, Friday, July 17.

A staff member arriving for work this morning at the Age Concern Crediton Centre in Deep Lane, Crediton, (The Lady Mills Centre) found that a door had been jemmied open.

Inside, the office door had also been jemmied.

In the office, cabinets were broken open and a small safe, which was bolted to the floor, had been broken open.

It is believed that a small float of less than £150 was taken but the damage to the premises was considerably more.

Security cameras were moved to avoid detection by the burglar or burglars and today a new alarm system is due to be installed.

Trustee Philip Hutchens, said: “We are totally shocked.

“In fact, we are absolutely devastated that we have been broken into.

“We are working hard to support elderly people in the area during this pandemic and funds are very limited.

“To be hit with this when we are helping so many people is really disappointing.

“What else can go wrong?”

Mr Hutchens said that he hoped the police would be able to find the person or persons as some fingerprints and another item had been left at the scene.

Crediton Police are investigating the break-in.

It is hoped that local residents may have seen security lights come on and noted the time of the break-in or have seen a vehicle or people or individuals or heard something.

Mr Hutchens added: “It might be that someone heard something or saw someone.”

Age Concern Crediton is supporting dozens of local elderly people in the town and surrounding villages.

It is not able to operate its day centre drop-in at the Deep Lane Centre due to Covid-19, but is supporting elderly people and delivering free hot meals, thanks to many volunteers, twice a week.

Local businesses, individuals and grants support the work of the charity.

Further sponsorship would be welcomed by Age Concern Crediton and if you can help, please contact the Centre on 01363 775008.

If you can help the police with their inquiries into the break-in, please telephone on the 101 number or email: [email protected] .