RAIDERS smashed their way into a charity shop and stole money raised to provide care for terminally ill people.

The burglars smashed their way into the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity shop in West Moors on Monday, April 8 with a paving slab and broke open a safe to steal a day’s takings.

Shop manager Lorraine Wright arrived for work at the shop in Station Road on Monday and discovered the break-in.

She said: “I found the front door smashed in and glass everywhere.

“They used what looks like a paving slab which was left on the front doormat. What annoys us most is that we work hard to raise money for the nurses to care for terminally ill people.

“They need all the support they can get, more than ever, so it’s very upsetting. It’s outrageous.”

A spokesman for Marie Curie Cancer Care described the break-in as “very sad”.

He said: “All the crucial funds raised at the Marie Curie Cancer Care shop in West Moors are used to help our nurses provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes.

“We rely on the generous donations of our supporters, and any unwanted items people can offer the shop, such as clothing, books and bric-a-brac, would be very gratefully received at this time.

“All support given will make a big difference, helping Marie Curie nurses to provide care for terminally ill people at the time when they need it most.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said they were called to the shop after the break-in was discovered and believe it happened between 2am and 3am on Monday.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101.