A shop manager says she is devastated after thieves broke into a charity stop and stole hundreds of pounds.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children’s charity shop in High Street, Sheerness was broken into between 4pm on Thursday, May 11 and 8am on Friday, May 12.

Thieves swiped £385.71 in cash, as well as a recently donated iPad. They also took a full charity collection pot, costume jewellery and greetings cards.

Branch manager Jane Noble said: “I am devastated that someone could do this to our charity shop.

“Our volunteers give up their time for absolutely nothing to do what they can to help the charity and someone comes along and tries to stop it.”

She added: “It really has shocked everyone here. One of our volunteers, Pat Shea, is in her 80s and comes in to help out twice a week, and yet some careless person just comes in and thinks they can take what they want. It’s awful.”

Mrs Noble, 54, was alerted of the break-in after volunteer Maureen Baber went to open up at about 8.30am on the Friday.

“It was my day off,” Mrs Noble said. “Maureen had come in as normal but she noticed the door was open and the door frame had been kicked off.

“When she looked around some more, she saw the safe had been taken off the wall.

“Half the stock in the glass cabinet that had costume jewellery and silver earrings in was also missing, as were half a rack of greeting cards.

“It really has shocked everyone here. One of our volunteers, Pat Shea, is in her 80s and comes in to help out twice a week, and yet some careless person just comes in and thinks they can take what they want" - Jane Noble

“She called our area manager and police right away.”

The shop did not reopen until later that day, resulting in a loss of trade.

Mrs Noble, who is also manager of the charity’s children’s shop in Sheerness, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our volunteers for their support and for helping us get back on track.

“I’d also like to thank the public for continuing to donate.”

Donations of clothing or toys would be grateful received. Visit the branch or call 01795 664631.

Police are investigating but no suspects had been identified. Anyone with information should call 01795 419119, quoting XY/021984/17, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.