Appeal after heartless thieves target Congleton charity shop

Congleton police officers are appealing for information from the public after heartless thieves targeted a town centre charity shop.

On Tuesday 28 November – sbetween 2.00 am and 3.00 am – an unknown offender, or offenders, forced entry into Age UK charity shop, High Street, Congleton, after smashing and climbing through a first floor window at the rear of the store.

Whilst climbing into the store the offenders damaged a sink under the window and caused water to leak through into the shop below. The suspects then went on to conduct an untidy search before fleeing the scene.

PC Michael Crimes said: “It’s sad to see that the offenders have stooped so low as to burgle a charity shop and we are committed to doing everything we can to trace the people responsible.

“Not only have these thieves caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the building, but they have also damaged a considerable amount of stock and forced the store to close at one of the busiest times of the year.

“Age UK is one of the UKs leading charities is the country’s dedicated to helping people make the most of later life and their work touches on the lives of thousands of people; including many residents in the Congleton area, which is what makes this incident so despicable.

“As part of the investigation I’m keen to hear from anyone in the local area who believes that they may have witnessed anything suspicious in the time leading up to this incident.

“I urge anyone with any information in relation to this incident, no matter how small, to contact us on 101 quoting incident number 141 of 28/11/2017.”

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.