A CHARITY shop which raises money to help young people was burgled at the weekend.

Intruders stole hundreds of pounds and various appliances from YMCA Charity Shop on Station Road in Clitheroe. 

The shop, which mainly sells furniture, was forced to close yesterday (12 September) while police and locksmiths were called.

Joe Thomas, area manager of the shop, said it was heartbreaking that thieves targeted a charity shop.

He added: “They gained entry through a shutter and left via a fire door.

“They went straight to the safe, broke into it and robbed it.

“They also took a set of store keys so I had to get a locksmith which is just an extra cost to us."

Mr Thomas said the break-in has shaken staff and the stolen keys have only left them feeling like the thieves will return.

He explained: “Their motive to take the keys worries me which is why I made the decision not to open the store yesterday just for the team’s benefit.

“I worry about the welfare of the staff and if this is going to happen again.

“The morale among the volunteers and staff this morning was just horrible and it just feels like a very personal attack on the store”.

Joe added that it’s the second time that thieves have targeted the area as the charity shop’s van was previously broken into.

The 31-year-old said: “It’s not the first time we have been targeted which is also concerning … we really need to get to the bottom of it.”

However, Joe added that spirits have been lifted by some of the shop’s Facebook users who showed “real community spirit and support” for the shop.

Heather Knowles wrote: “So sad to read this. You're trying to help people of all walks of life.

“Then low lives come along and ruin it for you all. Hope they catch the culprits.”

Another said: “This saddens me. What is the world coming to?”

“Very sad news,” another wrote.

Another Facebook user said: “Seriously, can you get much lower than trying to rob a charity shop?”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: “The report came into us at 10.05am yesterday (September 12).

“It looks like a quantity of cash has been taken. No arrests have been made at this stage. Enquiries are ongoing.”

If you have any further information about the crime, report it to Lancashire Police on 101 by quoting log reference 0521 of September 12, 2021.

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer

Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form