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Shock after burglars ransack hospice shop

Sue Carr
12/12/2007

VOLUNTEERS at Willow Wood Hospice have been left devastated after thieves trashed one of their charity shops and stole prizes for the Christmas raffle.

Staff arrived at work on Friday to find the shop, on Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge ransacked.

A hamper - first prize in the raffle - had been stolen along with a collection box, cash from the till and even a bag of foreign coins.

John Fellowes, fund-raising manager at Willow Wood, said he was "shocked and saddened" by the burglary and fears the damage will cost thousands to repair.

"All we know is that they got in through a small toilet window at the back of the shop. They broke the glass, ripped off the security bars which broke the window frame and when they jumped in they smashed the toilet," he said.

"That alone will cost £1,000 or more to repair and that’s all money which should be going on patient care.

"I am just shocked and saddened that there are people in our community, the community we are here to help and support, who would sink so low as to break into a charity shop.

"There’s nothing of any value and no money of any consequence is left on the premises at night.

"The prizes for the Christmas raffle were bought by the volunteers themselves and the second prize - a tin of Celebrations - had been stolen out the shop window earlier in the week. It’s just disgusting."

The break-in took place between 4pm on Thursday, when staff closed the shop, and 8.45am the following morning. Forensics found prints from wet gloves and police are now examining CCTV footage.

John added: "Our volunteers give their time freely to help the hospice and to experience something like this is extremely distressing for them.

"We do get a huge amount of support from people in Tameside and Glossop and I would urge anyone who saw anything, or who knows who did this, to please contact the police."

If you have information call police on 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, free and in complete confidence, on 0800 555 111.

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