A CHARITY shop in Worcester has been ransacked.

Thieves stole more than £1,000 in cash along with computer hardware and various other items including a safe and donations from St Richard's Hospice shop in Mealcheapen Street.

A further £1,600 worth of damage was done to the property and some contents, including computer equipment and furniture, during the incident which happened between 5pm yesterday and 8am today.

PC Richard Harris, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a callous crime - targeting a charity premises well-known for its good work in the community.

"The shop is in a busy pedestrian area of the city centre and I would hope someone saw or heard something suspicious, particularly as it is likely the offender or offenders were in the property for some time."

Items taken included £733.44 in cash, £100 worth of antiques, a Dell hard drive worth £100, a ring worth £50, cosmetics worth £80, an unidentified mobile phone worth £50 and ornaments worth £50.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area between the times given, or has any information on the incident, is urged to contact police immediately on 08457 444 888, quoting 78/S/080108. Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.