A TINY thief is breaking into charity shops in Felixstowe at night, ransacking offices and searching for cash.The cat burglar climbed through the narrow bars protecting a skylight at one shop, and through a very small window at another, taking more than £1,400 and leaving a trail of damage and a security headache for the stores.

A TINY thief is breaking into charity shops in Felixstowe at night, ransacking offices and searching for cash.

The cat burglar climbed through the narrow bars protecting a skylight at one shop, and through a very small window at another, taking more than £1,400 and leaving a trail of damage and a security headache for the stores.

It is believed it could be a child carrying out the raids or an ultra-slim adult, and it is not known if they are working alone or as part of a gang.

Police believe the break-ins, as well as incidents at several business premises, are linked and forensic experts are analysing evidence gathered at the scenes.

Alison Diaper, manager of the Red Cross shop in Hamilton Road, said the raider broke open a roof skylight and then lowered themselves between the thin bars over the window to drop down into the roof space. They then came through the false ceiling and dropped down into the shop before searching the office and taking £1,000.

The ceiling had to be repaired and locks changed at a cost of £200.

Mrs Diaper said: “It must have been someone incredibly slim and agile - I don't know how they managed to get down without knocking everything over.

“It's hard to believe someone would break into a charity shop. We are here trying to raise money to help other people in this country and abroad and they have taken that money.

“It leaves a very nasty taste in the mouth.

“I also feel very sorry for our volunteers who give up their time to work in the shop and help raise the money. They are a fantastic bunch and they have been very upset by what happened.”

At the Cancer Research UK shop in Hamilton Road, a thief got through a small window, ransacked the office but got away with nothing because the money was in the safe.

Shop manager Teresa Fonnereau said: “We are wondering if it was a child. No adult could have got through such a small window.

“Now we have to work even harder because money we have raised has to be used for the repairs.”

The thief also stole £400 from the Blue Cross animal welfare charity, as reported in last night's Evening Star.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to call Pc Guy Woodward on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.

What do you think of the burglars? Has your business been targeted? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk.