A CHARITY store that redistributes donated furniture to people in need has been ransacked by thieves.

Blackburn with Darwen Churches Action furniture store in Chapel Street, Blackburn, had thousands of pounds worth of equipment, including two computers, furniture, bedding and even their biscuits, stolen.

General manager Fred Milligan, 76, said thousands of pounds of furniture had been stolen.

"We are all really upset and disheartened by the break-in,” he said.

“What makes it worse is that it looks like the person may have been here before as they seem to have a knowledge of our layout.”

The thieves cut a section out of the a back door which was locked and bolted from the inside to gain entry.

They removed a safe from the wall and tried to steal the contents but failed to open it.

Blackburn with Darwen Churches Action has two stores in Blackburn and Darwen, which recycle and repair old furniture to give to people on low income.

They helped almost 1,700 families last year.

Store manager Christine Woods, 45 said: “It’s unbelievable that people would come and break into a charity warehouse store and not only steal but trash the place as well.

“When things like this happen it makes you question human nature.”

  • To donate to the project, call Christine on 01254 680317.