CALLOUS thieves broke into a charity shop in Yate and stole money from a collection globe in the store.

The money was stolen from a donation point in the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) shop in Yate Shopping Centre, .

Staff said they were sad and disappointed that someone would steal the funds sand smash their one-of-a-kind globe.

The charity raises funds for people in the community who suffer a life-threatening illness or injury.

Yate shop manager Marwa Bahssali discovered the damaged globe when the store was reopened after the bank holiday weekend. She said someone had gone through the front door and had smashed the globe to retrieve bank notes which totalled around £100 inside.

The store which has only been open ten months, didn't have any other takings inside. Charity shops are a key part of GWAAC’s fundraising efforts, staff say to have precious cash stolen just as everything has began to move forward since the pandemic has frustrated the whole team.

Staff think it is possible the thief may have been in the shop before and knew exactly what to target, as the globe can’t be seen from outside.

Staff had quite a sentimental attachment to it, and it’s now damaged beyond repair and will likely cost £100 - £200 to replace.

Marwa said: “People have had the kindness to donate money that they would have worked hard for, to help save the lives of people in Yate and beyond. It’s the sadness that someone has made so much effort to break into our wonderful shop and take that cash for themselves that disappoints us so much.”

“Something like this is heart-breaking for our wonderful team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly and donate so much time to running our charity shops. But we’re determined not to let this affect us. We are of course tightening our security, but we are open for business, and we’d like to thank everyone in the community for their continued support. I am asking anyone who knows anything about this incident to make contact with us, or please contact the police.”