AN animal charity faces a £400 bill today after thieves carried the latest in a series of break-ins at charity premises in the Felixstowe area.

AN animal charity faces a £400 bill today after thieves carried the latest in a series of break-ins at charity premises in the Felixstowe area.

The raiders who forced their way into the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Walton also got away with £200 in cash.

Now bosses at the centre say money raised by people to care for homeless pets will have to be used to pay for repairs.

The raid is the latest in a series of burglaries of charity shops and premises - the Red Cross and Cancer Research in Hamilton Road were broken into - in the past ten days and police investigating the crimes believed they are linked.

Andrew Gillon, manager of the Blue Cross centre in Walton High Street, said: “We were heartbroken when we discovered the centre had been broken into and don't understand how someone could steal from a pet charity.

“We rely on the donations and generosity of the public to look after the homeless pets in our care until they find new homes.

“Thankfully none of the animals at the centre were harmed during the incident.

“Unfortunately, money that should be used to care for these animals will now have to be spent on repairing the damage caused in the burglary and replacing the stolen cash.”

He appealed for anyone who was able to give a donation to help with the cost of the damage to get in touch with the centre.

The thieves broke in by forcing a small window and then smashed a fire door to get into the main office area.

They then rifled through drawers and desks, and after their thorough search escaped with the money.

Police said the incident happened between 5.20pm on Saturday and 8.15am Sunday .

“There have been several incidents involving charity shops in the town since the end of May. Inquiries are under way and progressing well and at this stage we are looking at possible links between the incidents,” said a police spokeswoman.

Anyone with information about the break-ins should telephone Pc Guy Woodward at Felixstowe police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Blue Cross should call them on 01394 283254 or call in at the centre.

Have your been targeted by burglars? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk