Thieves smashed through the front door of a Crystal Palace RSPCA shop last weekend, stealing cash from the safe and causing extensive damage.

Police are investigating the burglary at the Westow Street charity shop, which happened between between 9pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.

The RSPCA said that the front door, which had a glass panel, was smashed through and an area in the back room was wrecked.

Deputy manager Renae Snelling said: “We are absolutely devastated that someone has broken into our charity shop.

"Not only did they steal vital funds which are used to help vulnerable animals in this area, they also caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

 

The back room

“They took the safe which contained £263 and the front door was smashed.

"They also wrecked the back room and the area around the counter and threw the till on the ground.

“We are all just devastated and it is going to take a while before we can get everything fixed and back up and running properly again.

“The money raised at this shop is vital in paying for helping animals in need, and we wanted to make the local community aware that this had happened.

"If anyone is able to help us we would urge them to contact Croydon, Crystal Palace & District Branch.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Quote CAD 2803/18NOV.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.