Hampshire charity shop targeted by burglars three nights running

Wessex Cancer Trust shop Daisies in Romsey was broken into three nights running with sacks of donated items being rifled.

Shop manager Paula Goldring said the storage shed had been broken into more than a dozen times in the last year.

She said: “We first encountered this problem about a year ago and managed to put a temporary stop to it when we called in the police and changed the locks.

“Lately, however, we have experienced a resurgence in the problem.

“On three consecutive nights last week, thieves have smashed the locks in order to break in, rummaged through about 30 bags of our stock and stolen about ten bags’ worth every night.

“We’re all so upset about it. We’re losing money hand over fist and we can’t seem to stop them.

“People must be absolutely desperate.”

The bags contain stock not suitable for sale in the shop in The Hundred, which is sold to a recycling company. They are kept in a shed, not visible from the street, accessed through an alleyway at the side of the store.

Ms Goldring said that burglars used to steal entire bags, but in the recent raids they have cut open sacks and rummaged through the contents leaving unwanted items strewn all over the alleyway.

An angry Ms Goldring said the shop is reviewing its security and is considering storing all items inside the store, despite having a lack of space.

Daisies and other Wessex Cancer Trust shops provide vital cash to support the practical, emotional and financial services the charity provides for cancer patients, their families and carers.

One of the beneficiaries is Romsey’s Jane Scarth House, where cancer patients can receive professional counselling, befriending and complementary therapies, free of charge.