POLICE BELIEVE THIEF HID IN SHOP

Exclusive by Alan Quick

STAFF and volunteers at two Crediton charity shops are in shock after they were targeted by a thief this week.

The Hospiscare and Brainwave charity shops, both on Crediton High Street, were targeted.

Police believe an unscrupulous individual hid in the Hospiscare shop at some point during the day on Wednesday, December 14. After the shop staff closed up for the evening, that individual then broke into the locked office stealing cash and causing damages amounting to more than £1,000.

Hospiscare Head of Retail, Helen Hutter said: “Our shops are not just retail outlets, they are a vital part of raising funds for Hospiscare. We are a charity supporting local families who are struggling to deal with terminal illness. It’s really upsetting that someone would steal from us and the families we care for.”

Shirley Buckingham, shop manager, said: “The shocking thing is that this person, we think, hid in the shop.

“What would have happened if one of us had found him?

“He tried to get into the office by prising the door open and then broke the glass and used a stool to climb through the window.

“He broke our small safe to pieces to get cash from there and he also took £360 from our hamper draw.

“It hurts me to think that it was volunteers and generous people who took part in the hamper draw and now that money is gone.

“Mandy who found the devastation when she opened up was so shocked she just rang me and I rang the police. I was actually on a day off.

“There were files from our filing cabinet everywhere.

“All our keys were stolen so those have been replaced and we were unable to open without a float.

“With all the repairs and loss of earnings I think we will have lost about £2,500.”

SICKENING

A shopper said: “It is absolutely sickening.

“I just hope the person doesn’t need Hospiscare one day.”

Edith Parker, manager, at the Crediton Brainwave charity shop, which supports children across the UK, said: “Our break-in occurred on the Wednesday night.

“The person or persons broke in through the back door after coming up a side alley.

“The safe was cleared out and £450 was taken.

“My piece of mind has gone now.

“I am feeling sensitive about everything at the moment because of it.

“The filing cabinet was broken into but things were put back in the shop to make it look like nothing had been stolen I guess?

“It is a shame the pub across the road has closed down because people over there used to keep an eye on things in the High Street.

“It is unbelievable that someone would steal from a children’s charity shop.”

Edith added: “The staff and shoppers have been really supportive.

“Obviously we couldn’t open so we have lost business as well.

“We are tightening security and customers have fitted locks and motion sensors which is really kind of them.

“The volunteers have been really helpful cleaning up as well.”

JUST GIVING APPEAL

Devon and Cornwall Police forensic teams have visited both charity shops.

Police are appealing for witnesses and ask if anyone can help with their enquires, to please get in touch.

Use the 101 telephone number or, alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, use the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

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.

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.

Jo Buckingham, the daughter of the Crediton Hospiscare shop manager, was so shocked by the theft from the Hospiscare shop that she has launched a JustGiving page asking the public to donate.

Jo said: “As some of you are aware the Crediton Hospiscare shop was broken into last night and more than £800 in cash was taken.

“This charity is close to so many of our hearts and I would really appreciate it if you could make a donation no matter how big or small.”