“REALLY disheartening and upsetting” is how staff described the raid on one of the charity shops targeted by burglars this week.

The team at the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Welshpool have spoken out after the shop on Broad Street was broken into overnight on Saturday, December 28.

Police are investigating the incident which is also linked to a break-in at the Cancer Research shop in Newtown, which was also reported on Sunday morning.

Police said that at the BHF shop, entry was forced through a window.

Once inside, the offenders stole cash, a safe and watches.

The area retail manager for the BHF, Catherine Poultney, said: “The break-in at our Welshpool shop in the early hours of Saturday, December, 28, has been really disheartening and upsetting for the whole team.

“It caused damage to the shop which will cost several hundreds of pounds to repair.

“Several items were also taken, all of which takes money away from the BHF’s vital work of finding cures and treatments for heart and circulatory diseases.

“We would like to thank the local community for all their support. It’s only because of our generous supporters that we are able to continue trading which helps fund life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.

“The team is always in need of items to help fill their rails, so would welcome any donations of items to the shop. We offer a free collection service for any unwanted items which can be arranged by ringing 01938 554439.”

Commenting about what happened on Facebook, Marion Gee said: “All crime is sad but to rob a charity shop, just heartless”. Another County Times reader, Colin R Guntrip, said: “Breaking into a charity shop is the lowest anyone can go, sad people!”

Alan James said: “Honestly what is the world coming to?”

Any witnesses are asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police. You can report information online at: http://bit.ly/dppReportOnline, by email at: contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Please quote reference DPP/0020/29/12/2019/01/C.