Thieves target local Barnardo’s charity

Burglars cut a hole in the roof of Barnardo’s Store on Stone Row, stealing more than £700 in cash - the shop’s entire weekend takings and the very safe it was stored in.

Sarah McCotter, manager of the charity shop, described the scene that met her next morning as “heartbreaking” and revealed that rain was now pouring through the roof damaging the contents below.

“We have had to turn off the power on the top floor,” she said “which means our vintage and antique department is closed to the public. Normally it would do very well during Hallowe’en.”

The manger added that her faith in humanity was restored when their 24-year-old Saturday worker called in and donated £50 to their restoration fund from birthday money she had been given.

Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to contact the detectives on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.