A CHARITY has been left to pick up the pieces after thieves broke into one of its shops.

Volunteers and staff arrived at The Martlets hospice store in Peacehaven on Monday morning to find the back door had been forced open and windows smashed.

The raiders broke into a cabinet and stole jewellery as well as other items throughout the shop.

An investigation is under way to work out the extent of the damage to the property and loss of stock.

The shop was closed for most of Monday while police investigated the scene, repairs were carried out and it was tidied up.

However the store in South Coast Road was open as normal yesterday.

Shop manager Janis Kingsley said: “We are all very upset about the incident.

“The thieves rummaged through our store cupboard and threw everything around.

“We have lost a day’s trading and what might have been raised by the donated items taken, which means the hospice loses out.

“But while we could be disheartened, the support we have received from our team of volunteers has been phenomenal.

“They have ensured everything was cleaned up quickly so we could open our doors to our loyal customers.

“Customers have been so supportive as well.”

Ian Hart, head of trading at the Hove-based hospice, said: “We are shocked and saddened by the burglary of our shop in Peacehaven.

“The Martlets shop plays an active role in the community, providing a welcoming environment for customers as well as offering valuable volunteer opportunities.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the shop returns to normal and appeal to the community to help by visiting the shop and bringing in much-needed stock donations.”

Hospice chairwoman Juliet Smith said: “It is deeply distressing The Martlets shop in Peacehaven has been targeted in this way.

“It means money has been taken away from the hospice and the people it serves.

“Our shops are not just a vital source of funding for us but are also an important part of the community.

Staff and volunteers at the shop are now appealing for donations to replace the damaged and stolen stock.

Members of the community are asked to donate jewellery, ladies and men’s clothing and furniture.

Anyone able to donate can visit the store, which is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday, or call 01273 588808.

Police believe the break-in happened some time between 6.30pm on Saturday and 8.15am on Monday.

Witnesses are asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 241 of 26/06.