A COLLECTION fund and staff biscuits were among items stolen when thieves raided a Sale charity shop at the weekend.

Burglars broke into Age UK on Green Lane in Ashton on Mersey at some point between the store closing on Saturday September 3 and 8am on Monday September 5.

Store manager Teresa Brolan discovered the theft when she opened the shop on Monday - just days after staff re-stocked in preparation for the autumn-winter season.

Thieves had prised open the back door of the shop and rummaged through donated items while choosing which ones to steal.

They emptied the till, stealing cash and leaving discarded coppers scattered across the floor, and helped themselves to the contents of a charity tin.

Several items of clothing were taken and others were left scattered across the shop.

A number of donated mobile phones were also stolen.

But Teresa, who has worked at the shop for 10 years, said she was most shocked to see that the staff biscuit tin had been raided.

“They actually opened the biscuit tub and had a few biscuits, I couldn’t believe it.

“I think it’s absolutely disgusting. It is disgusting to rob anybody but when you are targeting charity shops I think it’s terrible “We’re raising money for people in need and they have come in here and taken it,” she said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Sale NPT on 0161 856 7865 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.