A CHARITY boss has spoken of her devastation after thieves broke into one of their shops and stole a number of goods.

Police believe thieves struck at the Age UK Suffolk shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, at some point between 5.15pm on Friday night and 8.45am the following day.

While inside they stole keys to a van, a computer, a laptop, a mobile phone, a sat nav, a coffee maker and a small amount of cash.

The shop was forced to close on Saturday, but has since reopened.

Ursula Austin, the charity’s business development manager, branded the crime “one of the lowest possible”, while urging the culprits to come forward.

“Stealing from a charity shop is one of the lowest possible I think,” she said. “Over the winter months we help more than 25,000 people and every little really does help.

“Waking up to the news that our charity furniture shop in Carr Street had been broken into, was devastating news on Saturday morning.

“Various high value items were stolen and other items damaged, making day to day operation difficult over the next few days and weeks.

“It isn’t nice for those who work there either because most of them are volunteers and it is unnerving to think people have gone in and stolen items.”

Officers are set to trawl through the CCTV from the area as they try to piece together more information about the incident.

Ms Austin said although keys to a van were stolen, the actual van was not taken because it was behind a security barrier.

The van, which is used to collect items which are then put on sale, was out of action yesterday while its locks were replaced.

The charity has now appealed for people to donate any pre-loved clothing or furniture. To donate or for further information call 01473 359911.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Pc Philip Brown at the Ipswich Response Team on 101.