HEARTLESS thieves have once again struck at Solihull’s Citizens Advice charity shop.
Thieves used a window to gain entry to the Bosworth Drive portakabin in the early hours of December 30.
It is believed gift sets, a children’s new art set, a child toy, between 10 to 15 Christmas DVDs and a suitcase were taken, which would have gone on sale for approximately £30.
Kerry Turner, the chief executive at Solihull’s Citizen Advice said she felt sick to her stomach when she found out the shop had been broken in to.
She added: “This is the second time someone has broken in, the last time was in June 2024.
“They even used the same window to get in.
“In fact the window had not been replaced until five or six weeks ago.
“My very small team of volunteers who run the shop give their time for free and they work so hard to ensure the shop’s success.
“The shop is open three days per week but they work tirelessly, sorting, washing, steaming, rotating and ragging behind the scenes; they often come in five days a week.”
The charity shop was the first Citizens Advice one to be opened in the UK to help residents gain items they needed and to help us keep delivering vital advice, information and guidance service in Solihull.
Kerry said the shop can help people solve problems they are facing as the service provides vouchers specifically for its shop to purchase any items needed, like a winter coat.
She said: ” If the person/ people who did this had come in and asked for help they would have gotten more money/help than they took. I do not know why we find it so difficult to ask for help when we need it.”
In a direct message to those who carried out the break in she said: “If you need help please come in and use our service; get the help you need.”
Kerry said it is estimated to cost around £1,300 to replace the window and they are looking into installing security cameras in the future.
The shop is looking for donations of winter clothes, shoes, boots and bric-a-brac for children men and women.
They cannot take any electrical items or furniture.
Items can be donated to the office between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The shop is also looking for volunteers to help at least one day a week, Kerry said no experience is needed and all training is given.
Anyone with information about the break in should contact police and quote crime reference 20/1014308/24.
