SECURITY is to be stepped up a Downpatrick charity shop, which has raised over £1m, after it was targeted by burglars.
The Cancer Research shop in St. Patrick’s Avenue was targeted last week by callous thieves, who ransacked the premises before making off with a small safe which was later recovered by police.
Entry was gained by forcing open a rear door after thieves moved a security camera overlooking a number of adjoining business premises in a bid to hid their identities.
The burglars used a crow bar to prise open the door of the shop and once inside an attempt was made to force open a till. A filing cabinet was opened and files strewn across the floor, while staff lockers were ransacked with a large quantity of clothes pulled from a store. A first aid box was also stolen along with a collection box.
Mrs. Lee Parr, the manager of the shop, said staff were upset at what happened.
“Our landlord has suggested in the past that he would fit security shutters at the building and that is something we are going to have to seriously consider in the wake of what happened last week,” she explained.
“We are going to have to step up our security to prevent this sort of thing from happening again. Given where the money we raise goes, we are very upset that our shop had been targeted.”
Mrs. Parr said the stolen safe, which did contain some money, was recovered by police in nearby St. Patrick’ Avenue after a resident reported hearing a banging noise.
“Police believe the noise was the sound of the thieves using a crowbar to try and force open the safe they had stolen from us,” she explained.
Mrs. Parr said the incident will not detract them from their job of raising money for one of Northern Ireland’s leading cancer charities.
“Our customers are disgusted at what happened, with many describing the break-in as dreadful. What happened is soul-destroying for us but we will get on with it and continue to enjoy the fantastic support of the people of Downpatrick.”
Mrs. Parr added: “Since the break-in, we have have received many messages of support and some financial donations and would like to thank people for their support. It is greatly appreciated.”
Detectives investigating the burglary have issued an appeal for information. They want to hear from anyone who knows anything about the incident or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the St. Patrick’s Avenue area between 5pm on Monday of last week and 8.30am the following morning.
Police can be contacted at Downpatrick PSNI station on 0845 600 8000 while information can also be provided using the confidential Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.