Charity shop owner's 'sadness and disappointment' after break-in
A store manager in Rotherham town centre has spoken of her “disappointment and sadness” after her charity shop was targeted by a burglar causing valued at up to £1,000.
Rachel Mitchie – who opened the @22 Dementia Support charity shop on College Street 18 months ago – was woken by a police call in the early hours of the morning on July 9 to say they had received reports of a break in at the premises.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police told the Advertiser later that day they had responded after 3am after receiving reports entry had been forced.
“Officers attended but found no one inside the shop, and arrangements were made for it to be boarded up following damage to the door,” said the force spokesperson.
“A short while later, at 4.05am, CCTV operators observed a man entering the shop and officers were immediately deployed to the scene.
“A 45-year-old man was found inside and was arrested on suspicion of burglary.”
Matthew Bailey (45) of Princes Street, Masbrough, was later charged with burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal in relation to this incident.
He was additionally charged with theft of a motor vehicle relating to a separate incident on June 15.
Bailey appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 10.
He pleaded guilty to the offences and was given a community order and ordered to pay £114 in compensation.
Speaking to the Advertiser after the hearing, Ms Mitchie said: “I have to say the police and the officers carrying out the finger printing were primed and on it straight away.
“I also spotted a cigarette butt on one of the sofas in store so it looks like he was smoking on the job as well but that all helped with the evidence.
“He was fined £114 but we have been left with £1,000 of damage including the shutters, the broken glass, the till and so on.
“There is also the loss of takings in the store as we could not open until 1pm in the afternoon that day.
“It makes me sad – we all work so hard here, myself and the volunteers, it's literally 24-7.
“We are so determined to provide a dementia hub and space to enable carers to have a bit of a breather and time to themselves without it costing a fortune.
“So I am saddened and disappointed but our lovely customers have been wonderful.
"They were all back supporting us the same day and have been ever since and dropping off donations or arranging for us to collect for free.
“I must add that I am also sad for the man who did it (the burglar), too.
“To climb through a broken glass door – you've got to be really struggling, to feel that's your only option.
“But overall it's a lovely community we have here – the team and volunteers who are all so dedicated – and we're looking forward to continuing to welcome more of our lovely customers back into the shop.”