Burglars target charity shops in Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock

The Mind and Cancer Research charity shops in Waterloo Terrace, Bridgnorth were targeted, as well the Cuan Wildlife Rescue shop in High Street, Much Wenlock.

Police said they were looking into whether the raids, which happened overnight, were linked to a series of burglaries that happened in Ludlow on December 27.

Staff at Cuan Wildlife said: "We were woken by the police today after someone broke into our charity shop in Much Wenlock last night. Although we are not allowed in yet – as there is a big footprint inside – it doesn’t look like the place is trashed.

"There was £60 left as a float in the till which I am sure they have took but no other money is left on the premises. It makes you wonder who can do this to a charity shop.

"Sorry to end the year on a negative."

It comes after months of charity shop burglaries in and around Shropshire.

On Sunday the British Heart Foundation shop in Welshpool was hit, while three charity shops were targeted in Ludlow on December 27.

There was also a long spate of charity shop raids in Oakengates, Telford, where some shops were burgled as many as three times.

Shropshire local policing commander Superintendent Mo Lansdale said: “We’re investigating three burglaries at charity shops that have taken place overnight and are actively following lines of enquiry to trace the suspects. There were also three burglaries in Ludlow that took place in the early hours of Friday 27 December and again are carrying out enquiries into these and are also looking at whether these offences are linked.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org