STAFF at a local charity shop have been left reeling after it was burgled for the second time in as many weeks.
The YMCA store on Kingstanding Circle, which raises money to support local young and vulnerable people, was targeted by heartless thieves who stripped everything of value during the night of Wednesday October 19.
Manager Lesley Harris has been devastated by the burglaries: It felt liked they robbed my own house, she said.
They took all my new goods, my computer, they took everything.
The shop was still recovering from an earlier break-in which happened just two weeks ago, and staff were attempting to replace the stolen stock when the crooks struck again.
Lesley said staff had been left feeling vulnerable by the burglaries.
I feel like someone must be watching me all the time, she said. Im just trying to do some good.
The money we raise in the shop helps the homeless, getting people back into work, we do such a lot but we cant work like this.
Councillor Peter Kane (Lab, Kingstanding) condemned the burglars and said: I think its disgusting that an organisation thats only there to help people has to go through this kind of experience and it begs the question, have the police cut backs had any effects on this kind of behaviour?
The manager said staff had been hard at work to try and put the shop back into order but were desperately low on stock and appealed to all kind hearted locals to help re-stock the store.
We were struggling before the burglaries, donations had gone downhill as less people are giving to charity shops, but were really bad now. If anyone can help with donations please visit us.
Donations can be made by visiting 28-29 The Kingstanding Centre, Kings Road, Kingstanding.
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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