Crooks steal Christmas stock from Wordsley charity shop

The garage at the back of The Mary Stevens Hospice Shop, on Lawnswood Road, in Wordsley, was used to store donations.

However shop staff were left devastated when they turned up on Tuesday to find everything had been stolen.

Area manager Gail Phillips said the garage was half-full, but would not be used for storing donations again.

She said: "We are all really upset about it. These were items generously donated."

The staff believe the theft must have taken place after they locked up on Monday, as it was the following day that they made the terrible discovery.

Among the items stolen were those they had been gathering together to create their annual Christmas hamper, which is then sold to raise money for the hospice.

Despite being hit by the loss of stock, the shop is now open again and determined to continue raising money.

Among those expressing their anger at the heartless crime, was Keeley Mason, whose grandmother was cared for by the hospice.

She and others are now calling on fellow supporters to help replace the store's stock by sending in donations.

She said: "This charity is very close to my heart as they took care of my nan.

"The majority who work for the charity are volunteers and the charity runs by our support and donations."

Donations can be made directly to the shop. The theft also comes as the charity is embarking on its biggest ever fundraiser, for a £3 million redevelopment of their hospice in Oldswinford.

To support this campaign contact info@mshfundraising.co.uk

West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating.

A spokesman said: "The offenders took 50-60 bags of donated items in the raid, which is believed to have happened sometime between 2.30pm on November 21 and 11am on November 22."

Anyone with information is urged to email Stella Biggs on s.l.biggs@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk, quoting crime number 20DY 230849P16.

Details can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.