Scene of ‘destruction’ as Ilford charity shop burgled

When workers arrived at the Sue Ryder shop in Green Lane this morning they found it had been boarded up after a burglary last night at about 10pm.

It is understood a man has been arrested in connection to the incident.

Shop manager Claire Crane, 43, said: “I just feel very sorry for the individual.

“People need to be better educated about our work as volunteers give up their free time to help. We all feel very sad and despondent.”

The shop opened 26 years ago and currently has 17 part-time volunteers.

Mrs Crane said: “We are desperately appealing for people to help out, unfortunately we don’t have the means to pay for improved security at the shop.”

When the assistant manager arrived, she found the shop in chaos with lockers broken into, clothes missing and the window smashed.

Mrs Crane said: “A member of the public saw a person kicking the door and they reported it to the police.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to that person or the individual could have got away with much more.”

Staff believe that most of the stolen items were clothes.

The shop’s computer was found in the street.

Mrs Crane said: “It was strewn up and down the street. “We can’t use it as it potentially has water damage from the rain last night.

“It’s more damage and destruction in the shop than things being stolen.”