Burglars smash charity shop for lollies

A local charity has been left devastated after an unusual burglary on Lockyer Avenue at the weekend.

Friends of the RSPCA shop manager Andrea Bullock arrived at the store on Monday morning to find smashed glass and a box of chocolates and confectionery stolen.

Ms Bullock said CCTV footage had revealed two offenders dressed in hooded jumpers breaking into the op shop, on the corner of Young Street, at about 11.30pm on Sunday.

Ms Bullock said she was devastated to find, on her arrival, the store had been broken into and the glass front door smashed.

“This the first time we have been broken into in 16 years,” she said.

“And that’s how long we have been at this location.

“It’s really low to break into a charity ... we are very upset.”

However, all that was stolen were the chocolates and lollies.

“We are really disappointed and upset that someone had broken in, and the fact they had made such a mess and busted the door in for a box of chocolates,” Ms Bullock said. “We looked at the CCTV and it was virtually a 10-second smash and grab.

“I hope they feel ashamed.”

Ms Bullock couldn’t identify the offenders but said they looked about 14 or 15 years old.

Albany police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Grant Pollard said police were reviewing CCTV footage and investigations were ongoing.

He said this was the third reported break-in or attempted break-in along Lockyer Avenue in the past few days, with Lockeez Lunch Bar and Jesters also targeted.