‘Shocked and saddened’ after Steyning charity shop break-in

Staff arrived at St Barnabas House charity shop in Steyning High Street on Monday morning to find windows had been smashed and thieves had attempted to steal the safe.

The safe was recovered unopened in a nearby car park.

Sally Brighton, director of retail at St Barnabas, said: “We are shocked and saddened that anybody would try to steal from a charity.

“As well as the cost of repairing the damage, we also lost a morning’s trade which will affect our profits, all of which go directly towards providing hospice care for local people.

“This incident has left our staff and volunteers very shaken but they rallied together and got the shop open again in the afternoon.

“I would like to thank them and our loyal customers for their support and we look forward to putting this unhappy incident behind us.”

Police attended the shop at about 9am.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “An untidy search had been made of the shop’s sorting room and a safe containing cash had been removed. This was later recovered intact in a rear car park.

“Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious after the shop was left secure on Saturday evening, or who may have other relevant information, is asked to email [email protected] or phone 101, quoting serial 213 of 16/3.”

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.