Sick thieves have ransacked a Scottish Cancer Research shop leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Volunteers were devastated when they found that raiders had smashed their way into the shop before clearing the shelves.
They have to wait until a full deep clean is carried out before they can properly count the cost and assess the damage.
Between closing on Friday (16 Oct) and the following morning, thieves in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, broke down the shop’s back door before going through the till, store room and shop.
One volunteer appealing for information on social media shared photographs showing bags of donations torn open and strewn across the store, lockers forced open and emptied and the till drawer lying open.
She added it was “soul-destroying” and that those responsible may have had relatives lucky enough to benefit from the very work the shop supports.
Another volunteer described those responsible as the “lowest of the low” while their colleague suggested it was “disheartening” as it “wasn’t the first time” the shop had been targeted.
The break-in came just a month after the charity shop’s front was covered in graffiti and almost a year to the day since neighbouring shop Shoe Zone was hit by thieves.
Peterhead councillor Dianne Beagrie said: “I was really disappointed to hear about this incident. I have been in touch with staff and will be picking up on it. Hopefully they find out who was responsible.”
Cancer Research UK spokesman Martin McGlown said: “It is deeply upsetting to learn of the break-in at our Peterhead shop and we hope those responsible will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.
“Cancer Research UK relies on the generous support of the public to continue its lifesaving work, including those who shop at our stores or donate quality pre-loved items.”
North-east MSP Peter Chapman said: “Charities have been hugely affected by the pandemic and it’s sickening to see this happen to the Peterhead branch.”
Police Scotland said that enquiries were ongoing.
