An intruder broke into the charity shop causing damage and stealing donated goods and cash tin.
An intruder broke in causing damage and stealing donated goods and cash.
Devon Air Ambulance’s most recently opened shop in Tiverton was the victim of a break in during the early hours of Saturday morning (12th July). The intruder gained access by kicking open the front door and shattering the glass to gain entry.
The adult male intruder can be seen very clearly on CCTV as he made his way through the store to the till point. Here he attempted to open the collection box. Following the initial failure he pulled the box clear of its secured location and carried it through to the back area of the shop where he stabbed it with a pair of scissors to cut into the outer plastic, succeeding in emptying it of donated cash.
The man then proceeded to the shop floor where he gathered a number of items of clothing and costume jewellery before leaving the shop.
The break in occurred at 00:46 am and lasted just under 30 minutes when the intruder departed at 01:13 am leaving the doors wide open. A group passing by the shop soon afterwards raised the alarm, contacting the police to report the incident.
This mindless attack on a local charity, which was welcomed to the town just eight weeks prior, will cost hundreds of pounds to repair as the doors are irreparable and must be replaced entirely. The unexpected intrusion has also deeply upset the staff, some of whom are volunteers who dedicate their time to the charity with staff expressing their dismay that an organisation focused caring has been targeted in such a way.
If you have any information about the incident that might support the investigation, please email PC Arrowsmith at Tiverton Police Station at [email protected] quoting crime no. SO25 0179055.
