THOUSANDS of pounds worth of damage was caused during a break-in at a Kidderminster charity shop.

The Sense shop on High Street was targeted on Tuesday, October 15, where hundreds of pounds were stolen from a safe which was destroyed.

Significant damage was also caused to the roof, the ventilation points were pulled apart, and bars protecting the windows were broken during the raid.

Manager Christopher Stephens discovered the extensive damage when opening up shop at half past seven that morning.

He said: "It's pretty disgusting really that somebody is going to break into a charity shop.

"I opened up the shop and found the safe was broken into."

The shop, which opened in May this year, will now prioritise making the premises safe again by spending vital funds.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Christopher added: "We've done some repairs. The ventilation still needs to be repaired, and we need a new safe which will not come cheap."

Now, the store has launched an online campaign to desperately recoup the £470 stolen from the safe.

The JustGiving fundraiser is already close to reaching its target, and the cash will be used to provide hearing and sight tests for children and sensory toys.

Sense has also appealed to the public for donations of unwanted clothing, brick-a-brack, books, shoes and furniture to help replace lost funds.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Christopher said: "It's nice to know there are lots of kind-hearted people helping us out.

"It's restored my faith in humanity a little bit.

"But by the same token I wish it had never happened."

People can donate to Sense's JustGiving page via justgiving.com/fundraising/sensekidderminster

The charity support adults and children who are living with complex disabilities and those who are deafblind.