Charity shop damaged in 'mindless' burglary

A burglary which damaged a newly opened charity shop in Devon has left staff deeply upset.

The Devon Air Ambulance charity shop on Fore Street in Tiverton was broken into in the early hours of Saturday morning between 00:46 and 01:13 BST, the charity said.

A man was captured on CCTV kicking the front door open and shattering the glass before he broke into a collection box and took items of clothing and costume jewellery. The "mindless act" will cost hundreds of pounds to repair, the charity added.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it was investigating the break-in.

The incident was reported to police by a group of people who were passing the shop and saw the damage.

The charity said the crime had caused irreparable damage to the shop's doors.

Devon Air Ambulance said in a statement: "This unexpected setback not only strains the charity's resources but has also deeply upset the staff, many of whom are volunteers who dedicate their time out of a genuine desire to help others.

"They are disheartened that an organisation focused on compassion and caring for others has been targeted in such a way."

An investigation has been launched by Devon and Cornwall Police and enquiries are ongoing, the force said.

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