HEARTLESS thieves have broken into a charity shop and ransacked the place, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

St Luke’s Hospice charity shop, in Market Square, Basildon, was targeted during the early hours of Tuesday, prompting outrage from the wider community.

It is unclear how many people were involved in the burglary, but it is thought the thieves gained access by smashing glass panelling in the shop doors.

David Emery, head of retail development at St. Luke’s Hospice, said: “The office was completely trashed.

“An HP lilac coloured laptop was taken, which will have to be replaced, as well as a St. Luke’s Hospice charity collecting box.

“There was also a considerable amount of mess in the till area of the shop.

“Unfortunately the hospice will have to cover the cost of the damage and burglary estimated to be about £500 and doesn’t include loss of trade.”

David explained that in order to keep Hospice insurance premiums at an affordable level the excess on their insurance policy is higher than the cost of their loss.

They are now also now reviewing their security measures.

He added: “Staff and volunteers are understandably very upset, as this will impact on the amount of money that is ultimately given to the Hospice to run services, and they have worked hard to minimise the loss.

“I would like to commend and thank them for their commitment and hard work in putting the shop back to good order as well as thank the police and their forensic team for a quick response which meant we were able to have the shop up and running as usual by the afternoon.”

The community has been outraged by the theft and a statement shared by the charity on Facebook received more than 100 comments of support.

Joanne Crow, a community nurse who works with St Luke’s Hospice, said: “I work very closely with the amazing staff at St Luke’s.

“They already have a hard enough time trying to raise funds to carry out their marvellous work without some scumbag doing this. I hope karma catches up with them.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed they are investigating.

She said: “A laptop and a collection box were stolen during a burglary at St Luke’s Hospice shop sometime between 4.45pm on March 12 and 5.25am on March 13.

“Anyone with information should call Basildon local policing team on 101 quoting reference 42/34081/18.”

If you can help the charity recoup their losses, you can donate online at https://stlukeshospice.com/donate-now/