VOLUNTEERS at a charity have vowed not to be broken after thieves burgled their shop, stealing hundreds of pounds, twice in two months

Burglars broke into the Prospect Hospice Shop, Braydon Court overnight between November 28 and 29, and made off with a safe with £210 in it and a Toshiba laptop containing confidential business information.

This is the second time the Penhill shop has been raided. On October 15 thieves pried the back door open with a crowbar and stole jewellery and a safe containing £170 in much needed funds for the charity.

Prospect shop manager Lorraine Beaton, who has worked there for a year, said the 22-strong team were determined to carry on with their vital work.

“It’s heart-breaking to have this happen again but we won’t let this hold us back or stop us doing our valuable work, we’re still a strong team and a united community together,” she said.

“I am so angry. I just can’t believe people would do this to us again knowing that we’re a charity that helps people in such difficult times.

“Every bit of money, no matter how small, goes towards the charity and even if it was £5 that was stolen, that’s £5 that has been taken away from people that need it the most.

“These people are absolutely awful, they’re disgusting.

“I hope they never find themselves in the position where they need or their families need help from a charity like Prospect.”

Heartbreakingly, the shop had installed extra security measures, including extra bolts after the first burglary to ensure the shop would not be targeted again.

Lorraine discovered the break-in as she prepared to open up the shop on Tuesday.

“As soon as I saw the back door was open, my heart sank. I thought, please no, not again,

“I kicked the door open in case they were still in there, I was trying to make a lot of noise. I knew that it had happened again, but I couldn’t believe it.

“It was a complete mess inside, I was so angry. To have this happen twice and especially just before Christmas is so awful.”

The team at Prospect say they have been buoyed by the enduring support from their customers.

“Everyone here has been so supportive, the support from the local community has made it easier to deal with. It’s a busy shop but even if they’re not coming in to buy things they’ll make a donation to us which we are incredibly grateful for,” said Lorraine.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said:

“We are investigating a burglary at the Prospect Hospice shop in Braydon Court, Penhill, which occurred overnight between 28 and 29 November.

“The premises was broken into and a Toshiba laptop and safe was stolen.

“There was a burglary at the same premises on 15 October, where offenders forced the back door open and stole jewellery and cash.”

Wiltshire Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111