Two charity shops suffered break-ins during the same night.

PDSA and British Heart Foundation are only two doors apart in Ashford's New Rents, and both front doors were damaged during the raids.

An employee at the British Heart Foundation found a bolted-down safe had been stolen from the shop, containing roughly £120.

The stores were targeted overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

A spokeswoman for British Heart Foundation said: "The recent break in at our shop has been really disheartening for the whole team. The shop was broken into in the early hours of Sunday morning, with a raffle prize and money stolen from the shop safe, taking funds away from the BHF’s vital work.

"It was also a really upsetting situation for all the staff and volunteers. Slowly but surely our shop is getting back to normal and bouncing back from the event and we will be reviewing security measures to prevent this happening in the future.

"I’d like to thank the Ashford community on behalf of everyone at the shop for all their support since the break-in.

"It’s only because of our generous supporters that we are able to continue trading and funding life saving research. We are always in need of items to fill our rails so please do keep us in mind in future if you are having a clear out.”

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries remain ongoing, which includes the review of all CCTV opportunities.

"In the meantime, anyone who witnessed the incidents or has information that could assist with the investigations is asked to call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/130007/19."

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